S1 E9: Taking a career break to pursue your dreams – Remix (Part 2)

Show Notes:

In this episode, host James Frison interviews Katrina McGee, a career break and sabbatical coach, about the benefits and challenges of taking a career break. Katrina shares her own experience of taking a 20-month break and how it transformed her life. She defines a career break as a period of intentional unemployment and emphasizes the importance of being proactive in planning and saving for a break. Katrina addresses common concerns such as being the primary source of income or having caregiving responsibilities, offering practical solutions and emphasizing the accessibility of breaks for everyone. She also discusses the reentry into the workforce after a break and how to frame it as an asset. Katrina shares insights from her book, Taking a Career Break for Dummies, and encourages listeners to prioritize self-care and create a vision that works for them.

Takeaways

A career break is a period of intentional unemployment that can lead to personal growth and transformation.
Taking a break requires proactive planning and saving, but it is accessible to everyone with the right mindset and resourcefulness.
Reentering the workforce after a break can be framed as an asset, highlighting the personal growth and self-care achieved during the break.
Self-reflection, self-compassion, and asking for help are essential during a break and when navigating unexpected life events.
Taking a break is not selfish; it is an opportunity to prioritize self-care and create a more fulfilling life.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction

02:21 Katrina’s Career Story and the Need for a Break

09:14 Defining a Career Break and Overcoming Obstacles

16:19 Managing Responsibilities and Asking for Help

25:33 Reentering the Workforce After a Break

30:49 Writing ‘Taking a Career Break for Dummies’

35:13 Addressing Privilege and Selfishness in Taking a Break

38:53 Final Thoughts and Contact Information

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