Episode 68 - The Hidden Cost of Staying in a Job Too Long

What happens when staying in your job becomes more dangerous than leaving it?

In this powerful episode of Taking a Career Break, Katrina and James dive into the hidden cost of overstaying in a career that no longer serves you. From burnout and anxiety to damaged relationships and lost creativity, this conversation explores why so many high achievers stay stuck in survival mode — and what it’s really costing them.

Katrina shares real coaching insights from working with over 200 career break clients, including the emotional, mental, and physical toll of ignoring the signs that you desperately need a reset. Together, James and Katrina unpack the fear of “falling behind,” why modern work culture keeps us trapped, and how taking a career break can completely transform your life, relationships, and future.

If you’ve ever felt mentally checked out, emotionally exhausted, or stuck on autopilot, this episode will challenge the way you think about work, success, and happiness.

You’ll also hear:

• Why burnout is more serious than most people realize
• The impact overworking has on your health and relationships
• How survival mode kills creativity and future opportunities
• Why waiting for the “perfect time” rarely works
• Katrina’s powerful “4 million breaths” perspective on life and career breaks

This episode may just be the wake-up call you needed.

RSVP for the 'Take a Break Without Falling Behind' Workshop: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://app.heartbeat.chat/breakspace/events/552F4A⁠

Timestamps

00:00 – Fear of falling behind and why this conversation matters
01:03 – Welcome to Taking a Career Break
01:55 – The hidden cost of staying in your job too long
03:10 – Podcast intros, attention spans, and keeping listeners engaged
04:44 – Burnout, exhaustion, and mentally checking out of work
05:50 – Why people are scared to take career breaks right now
07:08 – Katrina’s “tornado vs fire” analogy explained
10:57 – Real client stories and health scares linked to burnout
13:16 – Running on fumes: the danger of pushing through exhaustion
14:57 – WHO statistics on overworking and health risks
15:52 – Why taking a break after 25 years of work makes sense
17:34 – The outdated idea of working nonstop until retirement
18:28 – How burnout damages relationships and family life
20:43 – Why things won’t magically get better if you stay
21:11 – Survival mode and losing your imagination for a better life
23:09 – The importance of space, rest, and mental recovery
24:06 – Why your happiness must be part of the equation
25:20 – Katrina’s “4 million breaths” mic-drop moment
26:13 – Why life is too short to stay stuck
27:20 – Workshop invitation: how to take a break without falling behind
29:59 – How many summers do we really have left?
31:10 – Final thoughts and episode wrap-up

Ready to stop "running on empty" and start running toward a life you actually love?

📞Schedule a call with Katrina - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://kmcgheecoaching.as.me/freeconsult⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

🫶🏼Join the BreakSpace community - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.gobreakspace.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

🎁Order Katrina's book (w/ special bonus!) - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.kmcgheecoaching.com/book⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

🔔 Subscribe for more deep dives into career growth, work-life balance, and mental resilience.

🎧Produced by Winging It Productions - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.wingingitproductions.com

Episode 67 - Why You Should Stop Waiting for the “Right Time” to Take a Career Break (Fear of Falling Behind Explained)

Is there ever a right time to take a career break—or are you just waiting forever?

In this episode, James Hammond and career break coach Katrina McGhee dive deep into one of the biggest mindset traps holding people back: the belief that you need perfect timing to step away from your career.

From economic uncertainty and job market fears to internal pressure and workplace guilt, they unpack why it always feels like the wrong time—and why that thinking is keeping you stuck.

Katrina introduces the concept of PHOBO (Fear of Becoming Obsolete) and explains how this fear shows up both before and during a career break—often preventing people from fully committing to the change they need.

You’ll learn why the “perfect moment” doesn’t exist, how your brain is wired to keep you in survival mode, and what it actually takes to create a good enough time to step away and reset your life.

If you’ve been telling yourself “maybe next year” or “once things settle down,” this episode will challenge that narrative—and help you take your first real step toward a career break.

RSVP for the 'Take a Break Without Falling Behind' Workshop: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://app.heartbeat.chat/breakspace/events/552F4A⁠

⏱️ Timestamps

00:00 – Why people keep delaying career breaks
01:34 – Episode intro: “Why now is never the right time”
03:30 – The real reason people don’t take breaks
05:08 – PHOBO: Fear of Becoming Obsolete explained
06:09 – Economic fear & the illusion of “bad timing”
08:15 – Why the perfect time doesn’t exist
10:23 – James’ personal struggle with timing & risk
12:23 – The “worst time fallacy” mindset trap
14:09 – Workplace guilt & fear of letting others down
15:39 – Why the goalpost always keeps moving
17:07 – The brain’s survival instinct vs thriving
19:30 – Has life ever actually felt certain?
21:26 – Planning vs procrastination: where’s the line?
22:35 – Why you can’t predict the “right moment”
23:05 – A powerful mindset shift for taking action
24:56 – How fear keeps you stuck in survival mode
25:43 – The reality of risk & taking the leap
27:16 – When waiting becomes avoidance
28:03 – Workshop + next steps

Ready to stop "running on empty" and start running toward a life you actually love?

📞Schedule a call with Katrina - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://kmcgheecoaching.as.me/freeconsult⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

🫶🏼Join the BreakSpace community - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.gobreakspace.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

🎁Order Katrina's book (w/ special bonus!) - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.kmcgheecoaching.com/book⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

🔔 Subscribe for more deep dives into career growth, work-life balance, and mental resilience.

🎧Produced by Winging It Productions - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.wingingitproductions.com

Episode 66 - Debunking Career Break Fears: What’s Really Holding You Back?

Thinking about taking a career break—but your mind is spinning with what ifs?

In this powerful episode of Taking a Career Break with Katrina McGhee, we’re debunking the most common fears around career breaks, sabbaticals, and quitting your job to travel or reset your life.

From financial anxiety and job market fears to worrying about what other people will think, losing career momentum, or “wasting time,” Katrina coaches through real client concerns and reframes them into something far more empowering—and realistic.

If you’ve ever questioned whether taking time off work is a bad idea, worried about ruining your career, or wondered how you’d afford a sabbatical, this episode tackles those thoughts head-on. It’s honest, practical, and designed to help you cut through the noise and make a more informed decision about your future.

Throughout the conversation, you’ll hear why the fear of the job market is often exaggerated, how the idea of a “cushy job” can keep you stuck, and what actually happens to your career prospects after taking a break. We also explore how to manage your finances while on a career break, how to deal with judgment from others, and why taking time for yourself isn’t selfish—it’s often necessary.

There’s also a powerful conversation around purpose and clarity. If you’re putting pressure on yourself to have a life-changing “aha moment,” this episode will help you rethink what a successful break really looks like and why simply stepping away can be transformational in itself.

This is part mindset shift, part practical guidance—and fully focused on helping you move from fear to clarity and, ultimately, action.

If you’re feeling burned out, stuck in your career, or craving time to travel, reset, or redesign your life, this episode might be exactly what you need to hear.

RSVP for the 'Take a Break Without Falling Behind' Workshop: ⁠⁠⁠https://app.heartbeat.chat/breakspace/events/552F4A⁠

⏱️ Timestamps

00:00 – Intro to the podcast & episode
00:51 – Why this episode: real fears from real clients
02:54 – Fear #1: “What if my job is just about to get good?”
04:53 – Fear #2: Leaving your team behind
06:03 – Fear #3: Losing a financially “cushy” job
07:16 – Fear #4: The job market is terrible
08:40 – Fear #5: “What if I never want to work again?”
10:39 – Fear #6: Burning through savings
11:35 – Fear #7: Being judged by family or peers
13:55 – Fear #8: Wasting your break / no accomplishments
16:14 – Fear #9: Pressure to have the “best break ever”
17:03 – Fear #10: A resentful partner
18:42 – Fear #11: People-pleasing during your break
19:49 – Fear #12: Becoming a hermit
21:02 – Fear #13: Over-scheduling and burnout (again)
21:59 – Fear #14: No “aha” moment or clarity
25:10 – Final thoughts: embracing uncertainty & taking the leap

Ready to stop "running on empty" and start running toward a life you actually love?

📞Schedule a call with Katrina - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://kmcgheecoaching.as.me/freeconsult⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

🫶🏼Join the BreakSpace community - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.gobreakspace.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

🎁Order Katrina's book (w/ special bonus!) - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.kmcgheecoaching.com/book⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

🔔 Subscribe for more deep dives into career growth, work-life balance, and mental resilience.

🎧Produced by Winging It Productions - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.wingingitproductions.com

Episode 65 - Should You Take a Leave of Absence Instead of Quitting? Pros & Cons Explained

In this episode of Taking a Career Break with Katrina McGhee, we tackle a question that’s coming up more and more: should you take a leave of absence instead of quitting for a full career break?

After seeing multiple clients face this exact situation—being offered a leave of absence after handing in their notice—Katrina and James break down the real differences, pros, cons, and hidden trade-offs between these two paths.

You’ll learn why a leave of absence might feel like the “safe” option, but could come with emotional, psychological, and even financial costs that aren’t immediately obvious. From paid vs unpaid leave, benefits, and job security to burnout recovery, identity shifts, and long-term life alignment—this episode covers it all.

If you’re feeling stuck, burned out, or dreaming of time off, this conversation will help you make a clear, confident decision about your next move.

RSVP for the 'Take a Break Without Falling Behind' Workshop: ⁠⁠https://app.heartbeat.chat/breakspace/events/552F4A

⏱️ Timestamps

00:00 – Intro & episode overview
00:51 – What is a leave of absence?
02:29 – Why this topic is trending right now
03:56 – Paid vs unpaid leave explained
04:50 – Leave of absence vs sabbatical vs vacation
07:16 – How companies use leave to retain employees
08:13 – Real client examples (paid vs unpaid offers)
11:50 – Pro #1: Keep your job security
12:48 – Pro #2: Reduced anxiety about the future
13:47 – Pro #3: No resume gaps
14:38 – Pro #4: Potential financial savings
15:33 – Pro #5: Start with leave, extend into a break
18:50 – Financial reality check (hidden costs & math)
19:54 – International perspective on healthcare & leave
21:27 – Con #1: Paperwork & approval stress
22:56 – Con #2: Staying mentally tied to work
23:47 – Personal insight: why safety can hold you back
25:03 – Con #3: Work may still contact you
25:58 – Con #4: The “ticking clock” effect
26:15 – Con #5: Having to quit later anyway
27:19 – Con #6: Limits your ability to pivot
27:44 – Con #7: Shorter break, less impact
28:44 – Real client experiences: changing their mind mid-leave
30:22 – Why career breaks offer more freedom
31:53 – Personal growth & identity shifts on a break
32:34 – Final considerations (healthcare & reapplying)
33:28 – Real-life example: quitting led to a higher salary
34:56 – Final thoughts: balancing risk vs safety

Don’t start at Episode 1! Find your best place to begin right here - ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://chatgpt.com/g/g-69b0e49d33008191a533dfd037479bfc-career-break-podcast-episode-recommender⁠⁠⁠⁠

Ready to stop "running on empty" and start running toward a life you actually love?

📞Schedule a call with Katrina - ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://kmcgheecoaching.as.me/freeconsult⁠⁠⁠⁠

🫶🏼Join the BreakSpace community - ⁠⁠⁠⁠www.gobreakspace.com⁠⁠⁠⁠

🎁Order Katrina's book (w/ special bonus!) - ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.kmcgheecoaching.com/book⁠⁠⁠⁠

🔔 Subscribe for more deep dives into career growth, work-life balance, and mental resilience.

🎧Produced by Winging It Productions - ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.wingingitproductions.com

Episode 64 - Listener Question Episode - How to Pivot to Self-Employment on a Career Break? (And Other Questions)

In this listener Q&A episode of Taking A Career Break with Katrina McGhee, Katrina and James dive into a powerful and relatable question: how do you pivot into self-employment while on a career break—without feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or held back by fear?

Katrina unpacks the emotional and practical challenges of stepping into entrepreneurship during a break, especially when you're used to structure, certainty, and being “good” at your job. This episode is packed with mindset shifts, coaching insights, and practical frameworks to help you define success, manage expectations, and give your new path a genuine chance.

You’ll learn how to navigate uncertainty, stop getting in your own way, and approach self-employment as an experiment—one that can evolve with clarity, confidence, and momentum over time.

RSVP for the 'Take a Break Without Falling Behind' Workshop: ⁠https://app.heartbeat.chat/breakspace/events/552F4A

⏱️ Timestamps

00:00 – Podcast intro & overview
00:51 – Listener question: self-employment during a career break
01:50 – Why this question matters (and why it’s complex)
04:07 – Defining your career break phase (rest vs re-entry)
05:59 – What does giving it a “fair shot” actually mean?
07:25 – How to measure success (time, effort, or outcomes?)
08:00 – The reality of pivoting into something new
10:44 – Why your expectations might be holding you back
12:13 – Measuring progress vs perfection
13:10 – Output vs outcome: what you can control
14:27 – Handling bad days, weeks, and momentum dips
15:11 – “Put it in a container” (time-bound experiments)
16:25 – The simple framework: Do → Reflect → Improve
18:23 – Coaching questions to unlock clarity
20:07 – What’s really behind the overwhelm?
21:14 – Reframing your mindset to move forward
21:49 – Final reflections & key takeaways

Don’t start at Episode 1! Find your best place to begin right here - ⁠⁠⁠https://chatgpt.com/g/g-69b0e49d33008191a533dfd037479bfc-career-break-podcast-episode-recommender⁠⁠⁠

Ready to stop "running on empty" and start running toward a life you actually love?

📞Schedule a call with Katrina - ⁠⁠⁠https://kmcgheecoaching.as.me/freeconsult⁠⁠⁠

🫶🏼Join the BreakSpace community - ⁠⁠⁠www.gobreakspace.com⁠⁠⁠

🎁Order Katrina's book (w/ special bonus!) - ⁠⁠⁠https://www.kmcgheecoaching.com/book⁠⁠⁠

🔔 Subscribe for more deep dives into career growth, work-life balance, and mental resilience.

🎧Produced by Winging It Productions - ⁠⁠⁠https://www.wingingitproductions.com

Episode 63 - The First Interview: Katrina McGhee & Lyndall Farley on Career Breaks, Sabbaticals & BreakSpace

In this milestone episode of Taking a Career Break with Katrina McGhee, we celebrate a first for the show—our very first guest interview.

Joined by BreakSpace co-owner Lyndall Farley, Katrina and James dive into the real story behind building BreakSpace, what it takes to step away from work, and how to design a truly life-changing career break.

From their journey as “competitors” to co-founders, to the emotional realities of burnout, identity, and re-entry, this episode is packed with honest, behind-the-scenes insights.

This conversation also dives into the emotional side of stepping away from work—the fear, the doubt, and the identity shift that comes with leaving a career you’ve worked hard to build. Katrina McGhee and Lyndall Farley share honest reflections on imposter syndrome, making big decisions without certainty, and learning to trust yourself through the process.

You’ll also hear real stories and transformations from inside BreakSpace, including people taking multiple career breaks, redesigning their lives, and returning to work with a completely new perspective. It’s a powerful reminder that a break isn’t just time off—it can be the catalyst for long-term change if you approach it with intention.

Whether you're considering a sabbatical, already on a break, or figuring out what comes next—this conversation will reshape how you think about work, rest, and life design.

RSVP for the 'Take a Break Without Falling Behind' Workshop: https://app.heartbeat.chat/breakspace/events/552F4A

🎯 What You’ll Learn

• The difference between a career break and a sabbatical
• How to know if you’re ready to take time off
• Why each stage (before, during, after) brings different challenges
• The mindset needed for a successful, fulfilling break
• How community transforms the experience
• Why more people are taking multiple career breaks
• The biggest mistakes to avoid when planning time off
• Why AI can’t replace real human support in life transitions

⏱️ Timestamps

00:00 – Welcome & first-ever interview on the podcast
01:00 – Meet Katrina McGhee & Lyndall Farley
03:00 – Career breaks vs sabbaticals: what’s the difference?
05:30 – How many breaks they’ve taken (and why it matters)
07:00 – The origin story of BreakSpace
10:30 – From competitors to collaborators
13:30 – Why finding the right partner is so difficult
14:30 – The “secret sauce” behind BreakSpace
17:30 – The power of community and connection
20:30 – Scared + excited: launching BreakSpace
22:30 – Trust, risk, and putting everything on the line
25:00 – Imposter syndrome and self-doubt
27:00 – Going public with BreakSpace (LinkedIn moment)
28:30 – Why a career break community is needed
31:30 – Early signs people wanted this
34:30 – What makes BreakSpace different
36:00 – Supporting people before, during, and after a break
38:30 – Where people struggle most
42:00 – Re-entry: the biggest challenge?
45:00 – Real transformations inside BreakSpace
48:30 – Taking second (and third) career breaks
51:00 – Favourite milestones and standout moments
54:30 – Why BreakSpace is hard to replicate
59:30 – Career breaks in the age of AI
01:02:00 – Why human connection still matters most

Don’t start at Episode 1! Find your best place to begin right here - ⁠⁠https://chatgpt.com/g/g-69b0e49d33008191a533dfd037479bfc-career-break-podcast-episode-recommender⁠⁠

Ready to stop "running on empty" and start running toward a life you actually love?

📞Schedule a call with Katrina - ⁠⁠https://kmcgheecoaching.as.me/freeconsult⁠⁠

🫶🏼Join the BreakSpace community - ⁠⁠www.gobreakspace.com⁠⁠

🎁Order Katrina's book (w/ special bonus!) - ⁠⁠https://www.kmcgheecoaching.com/book⁠⁠

🔔 Subscribe for more deep dives into career growth, work-life balance, and mental resilience.

🎧Produced by Winging It Productions - ⁠⁠https://www.wingingitproductions.com

Episode 62 - The Simple “Container” Hack to Stay Consistent on Your Career Break (Stop Procrastinating Today)

In this episode, James sits down with career break expert Katrina McGhee to unpack a powerful yet simple strategy that can completely transform how you approach change, challenges, and personal growth.

If you’ve ever struggled with staying consistent, committing to new habits, or navigating uncertainty during a career break or life transition—this episode is for you.

Katrina introduces the concept of “putting it in a container”—a time-bound, intentional framework that helps you overcome resistance, build momentum, and actually follow through on the changes you want to make.

Whether you're trying to practice presence, improve your health, build new routines, or even start a business, this method turns overwhelming goals into manageable experiments.

You’ll hear real-life examples of how this framework has helped clients:
– Build healthier habits in just 30 days
– Create meaningful social connections in a new place
– Reduce anxiety and embrace stillness
– Navigate burnout and career uncertainty

This episode is packed with actionable advice for high achievers, digital nomads, and anyone considering a sabbatical or career break.

If you’re ready to stop overthinking and start taking intentional action—this is your roadmap.

⏱️ Timestamps

00:00 – Introduction
00:51 – Why committing to change feels so hard
01:26 – Balancing life, work, and global uncertainty
03:07 – Finding purpose and meaning in your work
04:02 – The “Container” concept explained
05:20 – Why your brain resists change (and how to overcome it)
07:40 – Turning goals into experiments (removing fear of failure)
08:49 – Why time-bound goals increase motivation and focus
10:24 – Giving yourself permission to rest and reset
11:19 – Using future anchoring to reduce anxiety
12:50 – Applying the method to real life
13:30 – Generational challenges: focus vs burnout
15:16 – Why meaning matters more than discipline
16:16 – Real example: 30-day health transformation sprint
17:10 – Building habits and layering new goals
17:50 – Connection sprint: building friendships intentionally
18:30 – Practising presence without distraction
19:02 – “Cocooning” explained: guilt-free rest and recovery
20:29 – Breaking down big goals (like starting a business)
21:23 – Monthly focus themes that actually work
22:24 – Final thoughts: how to implement this today

Don’t start at Episode 1! Find your best place to begin right here - ⁠https://chatgpt.com/g/g-69b0e49d33008191a533dfd037479bfc-career-break-podcast-episode-recommender⁠

Ready to stop "running on empty" and start running toward a life you actually love?

📞Schedule a call with Katrina - ⁠https://kmcgheecoaching.as.me/freeconsult⁠

🫶🏼Join the BreakSpace community - ⁠www.gobreakspace.com⁠

🎁Order Katrina's book (w/ special bonus!) - ⁠https://www.kmcgheecoaching.com/book⁠

🔔 Subscribe for more deep dives into career growth, work-life balance, and mental resilience.

🎧Produced by Winging It Productions - ⁠https://www.wingingitproductions.com

Episode 61 - Podcast & Business Update: Career Break Trends, YouTube Launch & What’s Coming Next

In this behind-the-scenes episode of Taking a Career Break, hosts James Hammond and Katrina McGhee share exciting updates, real-time insights, and emerging trends in the world of career breaks and sabbaticals.

From record-breaking revenue months and powerful client transformations to the launch of new projects like YouTube and upcoming workshops, this episode pulls back the curtain on what it really looks like to build a career break movement.

Katrina also reveals key trends she’s seeing among high achievers in 2026—including why more people are planning career breaks earlier, the rise of life coaching alongside sabbaticals, and the surprising increase in men taking intentional breaks.

Plus, hear what’s next for BreakSpace, the podcast, and a brand-new summer series featuring real-life career break stories.

If you’re feeling burned out, stuck, or dreaming about taking a break—but don’t know where to start—this episode is packed with insights, motivation, and practical direction.

🔑 What You’ll Learn

In this episode, you’ll discover why more professionals are choosing to plan their career breaks earlier than ever and what’s driving that shift in mindset.

You’ll gain insight into how high achievers are rethinking success, slowing down, and turning to life coaching for clarity—even if they’re not fully committed to taking a break yet.

Katrina shares real trends from her coaching experience, including the growing number of men stepping into the career break space and how the podcast itself is influencing people to take action.

You’ll also get a behind-the-scenes look at the evolution of BreakSpace, what’s coming next for the community and the podcast, and how these changes can support you if you’re feeling burned out, stuck, or ready to design a more intentional life.

⏱️ Timestamps

00:00 – Introduction to the episode
00:51 – Episode overview: updates & what’s ahead
01:27 – Katrina’s business update: website revamp & brand clarity
03:34 – Revenue wins & powerful client success stories
04:57 – BreakSpace community growth & real-life meetups
05:25 – Career break trends in 2026 (key insights)
05:45 – Trend #1: Planning career breaks earlier
06:20 – Trend #2: Rise in life coaching demand
07:20 – Trend #3: More men taking career breaks
07:45 – Trend #4: Podcast impact on coaching & community
08:41 – BreakSpace updates: growth, new features & workshop
09:39 – Upcoming episode with Lindell
10:06 – Podcast expansion: YouTube launch
11:59 – Future content strategy & platform growth
12:27 – Announcement: Summer series with real client stories
13:32 – Why listener engagement matters (reviews, shares, etc.)
15:45 – Winging It Productions update & new projects
16:20 – YouTube vlog challenges & creative direction
17:19 – Final reflections & what’s next

Don’t start at Episode 1! Find your best place to begin right here - https://chatgpt.com/g/g-69b0e49d33008191a533dfd037479bfc-career-break-podcast-episode-recommender

Ready to stop "running on empty" and start running toward a life you actually love?

📞Schedule a call with Katrina - https://kmcgheecoaching.as.me/freeconsult

🫶🏼Join the BreakSpace community - www.gobreakspace.com

🎁Order Katrina's book (w/ special bonus!) - https://www.kmcgheecoaching.com/book

🔔 Subscribe for more deep dives into career growth, work-life balance, and mental resilience.

🎧Produced by Winging It Productions - https://www.wingingitproductions.com

Episode 60 - The Hardest Step of a Career Break: How to Finally Decide to Take One

Deciding to take a career break might be the hardest step of the entire journey.

In this episode of Taking a Career Break, career break coach Katrina McGhee and co-host James Hammond dive into the moment that stops so many professionals in their tracks: how to actually decide whether to take a career break or sabbatical.

For ambitious professionals and high achievers, stepping away from a career can feel risky. You may be dealing with burnout, questioning your purpose, or wondering if there’s more to life than the constant pressure of work — but the fear of losing momentum, income, or identity can keep you stuck in the same routine.

So how do you know if it’s truly time to pause?

Katrina shares the decision-making framework she has used with more than 200 coaching clients around the worldto help professionals evaluate whether a career break is right for them. This practical approach helps people move from uncertainty and overthinking to clarity and confidence about their next chapter.

Together, Katrina and James unpack the mental barriers, fears, and expectations that often stop people from taking a break — from financial worries and career anxiety to the pressure of what others might think.

If you've ever asked yourself:

• Should I take a career break?

• How do I know when burnout means it's time for a sabbatical?

• What is the best way to decide if stepping away from work is the right move?

This episode will help you explore those questions and start thinking differently about your career, your wellbeing, and your future.

You’ll also hear how taking a career break can become an opportunity to reset your priorities, rediscover your purpose, travel, rest, learn new skills, or redesign the life you truly want.

Whether you're dreaming about a sabbatical, career pause, life reset, or extended travel break, this episode will give you the tools and mindset shifts needed to start making one of the most important decisions of your life.

Timestamps

00:00 – Welcome to Taking a Career Break
00:52 – Introducing the big question: should you take a career break?
01:18 – Why making the decision is the most pivotal milestone
02:03 – The emotional weight behind stepping away from work
03:20 – Why high achievers struggle with this decision
04:38 – Recognizing burnout and dissatisfaction signals
05:16 – The fears that keep people stuck in their careers
08:30 – Katrina’s decision-making framework explained
14:10 – How identifying your purpose can clarify your break
20:45 – What changes when you finally commit to the decision
27:30 – Final reflections on choosing a life-changing break

Listen now and reclaim control of your career break journey.

🔔 Subscribe for more deep dives into career growth, work-life balance, and mental resilience.

🎧 Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and every podcast app!

📩 Got a story about your own career break journey? DM us or leave a review—we’d love to hear from you!

If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact us today to begin your journey.

BreakSpace - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.gobreakspace.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Schedule a call with Katrina - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://kmcgheecoaching.as.me/schedule.php⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Order Katrina's book - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.kmcgheecoaching.com/book⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Email - [email protected]

Instagram - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/takingacareerbreak/?hl=en⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Produced by Winging It Productions - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.wingingitproductions.com⁠

Episode 59 - Having The Audacity to Take a Career Break: Why High Achievers Feel Guilty Resting (And Why You Shouldn’t)

Why does taking a career break feel so… audacious?

In this powerful (and fiery) episode, Katrina and James unpack the hidden guilt high achievers feel when they consider stepping away from work — even temporarily.

From societal pressure to “earn” rest… to the subtle shame around quitting a “good” job… to the fear that a sabbatical will ruin your career — this episode tackles the emotional resistance behind taking time off work.

If you’ve ever thought:

• “It must be nice to quit your job.”

• “I should just be grateful.”

• “What if people think I’m lazy?”

• “Will a career break destroy my professional reputation?”

This one’s for you.

Katrina shares a personal story that sparked this conversation — and how it mirrors what so many professionals experience when they dare to prioritize their mental health, wellbeing, and long-term fulfillment.

You’ll also hear the powerful concept of an “Audacity Audit” — a practical exercise to help you reframe guilt and reclaim your right to rest.

Because here’s the truth:

You don’t need burnout, a layoff, or a crisis to justify taking a break.
You don’t need permission to want more.
And one year out of a 40-year career will not ruin your life.

But not listening to yourself just might.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• Why high performers feel guilty taking a career break

• The societal conditioning that makes rest feel “lazy”

• How burnout recovery requires courage — not permission

• Why wanting more from your career isn’t greedy

• The math behind taking a sabbatical (and why it’s smaller than you think)

• How to conduct your own Audacity Audit before making a big decision

• Why most people move on faster than you think when you quit

Timestamps

00:00 – Welcome to the show + why this is a “rant” episode
01:00 – What does “the audacity” really mean when it comes to taking a career break?
02:00 – The triggering moment that sparked this conversation
04:30 – Why being labeled “pay to play” hit so hard
06:30 – The hidden belief: “How dare you charge for helping people?”
08:45 – The parallel: Why high achievers feel guilty taking a sabbatical
10:30 – Society’s message: Rest is lazy, work is noble
12:00 – The truth about value, sacrifice, and worth
14:00 – Why you don’t need suffering to justify time off
15:30 – Introducing the “Audacity Audit” exercise
16:00 – What you’ve invested in your career (time, money, energy)
17:00 – The math: One year out of a 40-year career
18:40 – 90,000 working hours vs. a 6-month break
19:15 – Why people’s opinions fade faster than you think
20:00 – Final message: Have the audacity to claim what you want

Listen now and reclaim control of your career break journey.

🔔 Subscribe for more deep dives into career growth, work-life balance, and mental resilience.

🎧 Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and every podcast app!

📩 Got a story about your own career break journey? DM us or leave a review—we’d love to hear from you!

If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact us today to begin your journey.

BreakSpace - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.gobreakspace.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Schedule a call with Katrina - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://kmcgheecoaching.as.me/schedule.php⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Order Katrina's book - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.kmcgheecoaching.com/book⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Email - [email protected]

Instagram - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/takingacareerbreak/?hl=en⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Produced by Winging It Productions - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.wingingitproductions.com⁠