Épisodes

  • There Were Signs: How We Learned to Break the Status Quo and Lessons in Courage, Authenticity, and Going Your Own Way

    There Were Signs: How We Learned to Break the Status Quo and Lessons in Courage, Authenticity, and Going Your Own Way
    Nov 19 2025

    Episode 46 - There Were Signs: How We Learned to Break the Status Quo and Lessons in Courage, Authenticity, and Going Your Own Way

    In this reflective and deeply personal episode, Katrina and James explore the moments in their lives when the signs were there all along—the nudges, red flags, and inner whispers that pointed them away from the status quo and toward a more aligned, authentic life. These are the stories that shaped who they became, long before a career break was even on the horizon.

    Katrina opens up about her early career choices and the unmistakable moments when she knew she didn’t quite fit into the mold around her. From turning down a “safe” corporate job despite external pressure, to boldly choosing time over money at just twenty-four, she shares the decisions that signaled she was a square peg refusing to squeeze into a round hole. She also recounts a pivotal, vulnerable moment in business school—standing in front of a room of high-achieving MBA students and choosing authenticity over conformity—that ultimately reinforced her belief in staying true to herself.

    James mirrors these stories with his own path, including the unconventional decisions that pulled him away from expectation and toward possibility. He reflects on turning away from the typical academic route, choosing music over traditional subjects, discovering the world of long-term travel, and how those early experiences shaped the life he eventually built. His story of working relentlessly to fund a two-year adventure—and the shift years later toward building a sustainable, purpose-driven career—reveals just how powerful it can be to raise the bar for your own life.

    Together, they explore how these moments add up: the subtle knowing, the brave choices, the course corrections, and the willingness to disappoint others in order not to disappoint yourself. This conversation is for anyone standing at a crossroads, sensing that something in their life no longer fits, and wondering whether they dare to choose something different.

    If you’re feeling the pull toward a career break, a lifestyle shift, or a version of life that aligns more deeply with who you are, this episode will remind you that honouring those signs can open the door to possibilities you haven't even imagined yet. You’re not meant to fit into every space—sometimes the life you want starts with simply admitting the shape of who you are.

    Timestamps

    00:00 Introduction to Status Quo Breakers

    01:53 Courage to Follow Your Own Path

    03:48 Personal Stories of Career Decisions

    09:50 Defining Success on Your Own Terms

    16:33 The Importance of Vulnerability

    22:34 Navigating Life's Seasons

    25:22 Final Thoughts on Time and Alignment


    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 - takingacareerbreakwithkatrina@gmail.com

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


    Produced by Winging It Productions - ⁠https://www.wingingitproductions.com⁠
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    29 min
  • How to Build Your Break Blueprint: 5 Elements of a Successful Career Break

    How to Build Your Break Blueprint: 5 Elements of a Successful Career Break
    Nov 12 2025

    Episode 45 - How to Build Your Break Blueprint: 5 Elements of a Successful Career Break

    In this episode of Taking a Career Break with Katrina McGhee, we’re laying the foundation for your most successful break yet. Katrina walks through her signature framework — the Break Blueprint — revealing the five essential elements that help you plan, live, and return from your career break with purpose and clarity.

    From defining your “why” and setting themes that guide your time off, to creating a wish list that actually fuels your growth, Katrina and James unpack what it really takes to design a fulfilling and financially sound break. You’ll also learn how to plan for reentry, avoid burnout at the finish line, and carry the lessons of your time off into your next chapter.

    Whether you’re just considering a break, actively planning one, or getting ready to return to work, this episode will give you a roadmap to do it with confidence and intention. Katrina also shares how you can access extra support — from her Break Blueprint Course inside Break Space, to her book Taking a Career Break for Dummies and private coaching for one-on-one guidance.

    Tune in, take notes, and start building your blueprint today. Subscribe, leave us a five-star review, and share this episode with someone who’s dreaming of taking a career break — it might be the nudge they need to make it happen.

    Timestamps
    00:00 – Welcome and episode intro
    01:00 – Reflecting on 45 episodes and planning for 2026
    02:20 – Listener feedback, upcoming mini-series, and why your input matters
    03:25 – Introducing the Break Blueprint: the foundation of a successful career break
    04:45 – Element 1: Defining your purpose — your big “why”
    05:30 – Element 2: Creating themes to anchor your break
    06:20 – Element 3: Building your wish list (and why it’s not a to-do list)
    07:45 – Element 4: Planning for reentry — time, money, and mindset
    09:50 – Element 5: Key details — start date, budget, and break length
    11:50 – How to use the blueprint at different stages of your journey
    13:45 – Applying the blueprint if you’re already on a break or nearing reentry
    15:30 – Framing your break story for future opportunities
    16:30 – Katrina’s resources: the book, Break Space, and coaching options
    17:40 – Final thoughts: following the plan with confidence
    18:10 – James and Katrina wrap up and share where to learn more

    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 - takingacareerbreakwithkatrina@gmail.com

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


    Produced by Winging It Productions - https://www.wingingitproductions.com
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    19 min
  • I Might Get Bored… or Love It Too Much: Two Unexpected Career Break Fears

    I Might Get Bored… or Love It Too Much: Two Unexpected Career Break Fears
    Nov 5 2025

    Episode 44 - I Might Get Bored… or Love It Too Much: Two Unexpected Career Break Fears

    Are you secretly worried you’ll be bored on a career break — or even worse, that you’ll love it too much to ever go back?

    In this week’s episode of Taking A Career Break with Katrina McGhee, Katrina and James unpack two surprising fears that stop people from taking the break they’ve been dreaming about. These aren’t your typical money or career worries — they’re emotional, subtle, and surprisingly common.

    Katrina shares real stories from her coaching clients, her own experience taking a 20-month break, and what happens when you finally give yourself permission to slow down. Together, she and James explore why boredom can actually fuel creativity, how overstimulation makes rest feel uncomfortable, and what it really means if you’re scared to “like your break too much.”

    Then, the conversation turns to that second, almost funny but very real fear — what if you love your break so much you never want to go back? Katrina shares her own experience of not wanting her 20-month break to end, while James reflects on his cycles of working, travelling, and finding meaning beyond the 9–5 grind. Together, they explore what this fear really reveals about our relationship to freedom, fulfilment, and work.

    You’ll hear honest reflections on what happens when the fear of freedom meets the reality of modern work, plus practical advice for navigating your return — or redefining what work looks like next.

    Expect laughter, honesty, and plenty of aha moments — including why “tasting the good life” can raise your standards and inspire lasting change.

    ⏱ Timestamps
    00:00 – Intro
    01:20 – Common vs. surprising fears
    02:00 – Fear #1: Being bored on a break
    04:00 – Client insights on stillness
    06:00 – Boredom, creativity, and overstimulation
    09:50 – James on boredom and creativity
    10:50 – Wrapping up fear #1
    11:00 – Fear #2: Loving the break too much
    13:30 – What this fear really means
    15:00 – James on work, travel, and purpose
    16:30 – Katrina on returning to work and debt freedom
    17:40 – The “pool” analogy
    20:00 – Raising your standards after a break
    21:10 – Dating analogy for raising the bar
    22:18 – Taking action and final reflections

    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 - takingacareerbreakwithkatrina@gmail.com

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


    Produced by Winging It Productions - ⁠https://www.wingingitproductions.com⁠
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    24 min
  • Finding Freedom: The Art of Balancing Structure and Spontaneity on a Career Break

    Finding Freedom: The Art of Balancing Structure and Spontaneity on a Career Break
    Oct 29 2025
    Episode 43 - Finding Freedom: The Art of Balancing Structure and Spontaneity on a Career BreakIn this episode, James and Katrina dive deep into one of the most common and misunderstood challenges people face when they finally decide to step away from work: how much structure do you actually need when you take time off?We’ve been conditioned to think freedom means doing whatever we want, whenever we want — but what happens when the complete lack of structure starts to feel overwhelming? Katrina, creator of The Break Blueprint, believes that structure and freedom aren’t enemies at all. In fact, the right kind of structure can become a powerful ally, helping you create space for self-discovery, rest, and exploration without falling into the trap of overplanning.Throughout the conversation, James and Katrina unpack the tension between control and curiosity — how to balance a desire for routine with the need to let go. Katrina explains how “guardrails” can guide your journey without turning it into an itinerary, and why the version of you three months into a break is wiser, calmer, and more open than the one who started it. They explore the mindset shifts needed to embrace flexibility, listen to your intuition, and build a break that evolves as you do.The episode also delves into the reality of high achievers — those who are used to constant productivity and goal-setting — and why they often struggle to rest. Katrina shares her advice on how to work with that inner voice that demands results, and how to use a blueprint not to restrict yourself, but to give yourself permission to explore what truly lights you up. From following “glimmers” — those small, joyful sparks that point toward fulfillment — to rediscovering your capacity for play, the conversation reveals how clarity, purpose, and freedom can coexist beautifully.They also discuss the Sunday Scaries, unused vacation days, and the American work culture that makes people feel guilty for slowing down. Katrina breaks down how our nervous systems adapt to constant doing, and why it takes intentional time and compassion to recalibrate. It’s a conversation that reminds us rest isn’t a reward for productivity.By the end, the message is clear: freedom doesn’t come from abandoning structure entirely — it comes from creating enough of it to support your spontaneity, while trusting yourself to follow what feels right. Whether you’re taking your first career break, planning time away to recharge, or simply rethinking how you use your weekends, this episode will leave you with practical insight, emotional clarity, and a renewed sense of what’s possible when you finally step off the treadmill.Timestamps00:50 – Welcome Back02:10 – Structure vs. Freedom: The Music Analogy03:11 – What Structure Really Means on a Break06:05 – How Much Structure Do You Need?07:55 – The Power of “Glimmers”10:10 – Giving Yourself Permission12:39 – The Fear of Boredom19:29 – Why Americans Don’t Take Time Off21:35 – Vacation Anxiety and the Sunday Scaries24:38 – Freedom Over Structure25:16 – Wrap-UpListen 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.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Schedule a call with Katrina - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://kmcgheecoaching.as.me/schedule.php⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Order Katrina's book - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.kmcgheecoaching.com/book⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Email - takingacareerbreakwithkatrina@gmail.comInstagram - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/takingacareerbreak/?hl=en⁠⁠⁠Produced by Winging It Productions - ⁠https://www.wingingitproductions.com⁠
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    26 min
  • When Nobody Supports Your Career Break (Do It Anyway!)

    When Nobody Supports Your Career Break (Do It Anyway!)
    Oct 22 2025
    🎧 Episode 42 – When Nobody Supports Your Career Break (Do It Anyway!)What happens when everyone around you — your friends, your colleagues, even your partner — tells you not to take a career break? In this powerful and honest conversation, I sit down with Katrina to explore what it really takes to follow your intuition when no one else understands your decision.Katrina shares a moving story about a client whose entire support system was against her dream of stepping away from work. Even her spouse begged her not to do it. Faced with burnout and exhaustion, she felt torn between what she knew she needed and what everyone else thought was “safe.” Together, we unpack the emotional side of this crossroads — fear, resistance, guilt, and the deeply personal reasons why people react so strongly when someone they love decides to step away.We dive into why this pushback often isn’t about you at all, but rather a reflection of other people’s limiting beliefs and anxieties. Katrina explains how clarity — not just confidence — becomes your most powerful tool when the world is telling you no. By crafting a clear purpose statement and defining the themes behind your break, you can start to transform fear into understanding. This episode also explores Katrina’s three paths to clarity and confidence — whether you’re doing it solo with her book Taking a Career Break for Dummies, joining her BreakSpace community for group support, or diving into one-on-one coaching. Whatever level you’re at, Katrina’s guidance helps you build a plan, a purpose, and the courage to take that first step.If you’ve ever felt burned out, stuck, or unsupported in your dreams, this episode will remind you that your break isn’t reckless — it’s restorative. You’ll learn how to reclaim your story, protect your energy, and lead with conviction, even when no one else gets it yet.Whether you’re still in the daydreaming phase, quietly researching, or standing at the edge of giving notice, this conversation will help you find strength, clarity, and permission to move forward.Timestamps00:50 – Welcome to Episode 42: When Nobody Wants You To Take a Career Break01:00 – Katrina explains the inspiration behind this episode and a powerful LinkedIn message that sparked it02:00 – What happens when everyone in your life says “don’t do it” — including your spouse03:30 – The truth about resistance: why it’s rarely about you and often about others’ fears06:00 – How clarity and purpose can transform fear into understanding07:00 – Building your “purpose statement” and “themes” to define your break with confidence08:30 – How to communicate your vision so your loved ones can finally see what you see09:30 – Katrina’s client story: from skeptical spouse to biggest supporter11:00 – The emotional turning point: how clarity creates permission and peace12:10 – Katrina’s “Good, Better, Best” framework for taking your break17:20 – The hardest milestone: actually giving notice to your employer18:40 – Why emotional support and belief in your vision are essential20:45 – Levels of accessibilityListen 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.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Schedule a call with Katrina - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://kmcgheecoaching.as.me/schedule.php⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Order Katrina's book - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.kmcgheecoaching.com/book⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Email - takingacareerbreakwithkatrina@gmail.comInstagram - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/takingacareerbreak/?hl=en⁠⁠⁠Produced by Winging It Productions - ⁠https://www.wingingitproductions.com⁠
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    23 min
  • It’s Never Too Late to Take a Career Break: An Inspiring Story With Katrina

    It’s Never Too Late to Take a Career Break: An Inspiring Story With Katrina
    Oct 15 2025

    🎙️Episode 41 - It’s Never Too Late to Take a Career Break: An Inspiring Story with Katrina McGhee

    In this week’s episode, James Hammond sits down with career break coach and author Katrina McGhee to explore one of the most empowering truths about work and life — it’s never too late to change direction. Fresh off celebrating her 46th birthday, Katrina shares how a chance encounter with an inspiring woman in her late fifties reminded her — and all of us — that age should never be a barrier to reinvention.

    From leaving behind a stable career in finance at 49 to becoming a thriving holistic esthetician and business owner, this real-life story is proof that courage, clarity, and self-belief can transform your path at any stage of life. Together, James and Katrina dive deep into what it really means to take a career break, how to navigate fear and uncertainty, and why redefining success can open the door to true fulfillment.

    This episode is packed with insight for anyone who’s ever felt “too old” or “too far along” to pivot, take a midlife career break, or chase a long-buried dream. Katrina also shares her wisdom on the emotional side of change — from dealing with external expectations to rediscovering your joy, energy, and purpose outside of work.

    If you’ve ever wondered whether it’s possible to step away from the grind, find your spark again, and build a life that feels more aligned, this episode will give you the motivation (and permission) to do it.

    Join us for a heartfelt conversation that challenges the myth of “too late” — and reminds you that your next chapter could be your brightest yet.

    Get Involved

    💬 Got your own career break questions? DM us or email (links in show notes) and Katrina may answer them in a future episode.

    🎧 Follow Taking A Career Break With Katrina McGhee for more weekly tips, stories, and guidance.

    🌍 Share this episode with someone who’s been talking about needing a break — it might give them the courage to finally do it.

    Timestamps
    00:00 Introduction – Why it’s never too late to take a career break
    02:15 Katrina’s birthday reflections and what sparked this episode
    05:00 Real stories of reinvention: From finance to facialist
    10:40 Courage to pivot: How to walk away from security
    14:00 Finding purpose and joy beyond your career
    18:30 Why waiting until retirement might cost you more than you think
    22:45 Redefining success, happiness, and validation
    25:00 Final thoughts – what it really means to live a brighter life

    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 - takingacareerbreakwithkatrina@gmail.com

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


    Produced by Winging It Productions - ⁠https://www.wingingitproductions.com⁠
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    26 min
  • Escaping the 9-to-5: Proving Worth vs. Finding Devotion

    Escaping the 9-to-5: Proving Worth vs. Finding Devotion
    Sep 24 2025

    Episode 40 - Escaping the 9-to-5: Proving Worth vs. Finding Devotion

    In this episode of the podcast Taking a Career Break with Katrina McGhee, Katrina reflects on one of the biggest questions people face when considering a break from their careers: Are you working to prove your worth, or are you devoting yourself to what truly matters?

    Katrina shares how this powerful question surfaced during her own moments of reflection as a digital nomad and life coach. She unpacks the difference between chasing external validation—through promotions, salaries, and titles—and choosing to live with intentional devotion to freedom, fulfilment, and joy.

    This conversation goes beyond the surface of taking time off. It’s about rethinking the cultural scripts that tell us success is only found in constant striving. Katrina explores how devotion can look different for everyone, from parenting to travelling the world to creating sustainable businesses. She emphasises that the key is making a conscious choice about where to devote your time, energy, and focus—rather than unconsciously trying to prove you’re “enough.”

    If you’ve ever found yourself stuck in the 9-to-5 grind, wondering if all your effort is leading to true happiness, this episode will give you permission to pause, reflect, and reconsider your path. Katrina offers both practical wisdom and personal stories to help you see that a career break isn’t about weakness—it’s about courage, self-awareness, and living intentionally.

    Get Involved

    💬 Got your own career break questions? DM us or email (links in show notes) and Katrina may answer them in a future episode.

    🎧 Follow Taking A Career Break With Katrina McGhee for more weekly tips, stories, and guidance.

    🌍 Share this episode with someone who’s been talking about needing a break — it might give them the courage to finally do it.

    Timestamps

    00:00 Introduction to Worth vs. Devotion

    02:18 The Reflection on Breaks and Commitment

    04:51 Proving Worth vs. Demonstrating Devotion

    08:44 Personal Journeys and Life Choices

    11:02 The Importance of Time and Intentionality

    13:39 Reframing Goals and Devotion

    17:49 Seasons of Life and Balance

    19:47 Join BreakSpace


    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 - takingacareerbreakwithkatrina@gmail.com

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


    Produced by Winging It Productions - ⁠https://www.wingingitproductions.com⁠
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    20 min
  • Katrina Reflects on BreakSpace: What 100+ Members Taught Us About Career Break Success

    Katrina Reflects on BreakSpace: What 100+ Members Taught Us About Career Break Success
    Sep 17 2025
    Episode 39 - Katrina Reflects on BreakSpace: What 100+ Members Taught Us About Career Break SuccessIn this episode of Taking A Career Break With Katrina McGhee, Katrina reflects on the first year of running BreakSpace, the community she co-founded with her partner Lyndall to support people in taking intentional and transformative career breaks. Over the past twelve months, more than 100 members have joined BreakSpace, creating a space for coaching, connection, and growth. Katrina shares what she has learned from leading this community and offers honest reflections on what truly makes a break successful.Throughout the conversation, Katrina explains that career breaks are not just about saving money, planning logistics, or booking flights. The deeper work often comes from learning to rest, setting boundaries, and giving yourself permission to slow down. She highlights the surprising impact of members witnessing each other’s experiences—showing that listening, reflecting, and sharing journeys within a supportive group can be just as transformative as one-to-one coaching.Katrina also dives into the importance of structure, revealing how her Break Blueprint has helped members approach their time off with clarity and purpose. She reflects on the courage it took to release this framework into the world and how it has since become a cornerstone of the BreakSpace experience. Her story illustrates why being brave enough to share your work and ideas can change lives, not just your own but those of the people you serve.Another key insight is that the greatest struggles members face are not external but internal. Feelings of guilt about resting, difficulty setting boundaries, and the fear of not doing enough often emerge. Katrina normalizes these emotions and shares how working through them can make the difference between a career break that feels wasted and one that becomes a profound turning point.Most striking of all, Katrina has observed that nearly everyone who takes a break ends up wanting to redesign their life. Even those who enjoy their jobs often see their time away as an opportunity to reimagine how they want to live and work going forward. This realization inspired the creation of BreakSpace’s Design Your Life course, helping members build lives that prioritize well-being, joy, and balance.Finally, Katrina emphasizes the undeniable power of community. For many, simply joining a call with others who “get it” provides immense relief and validation. Taking an unconventional step like a career break can feel isolating, but BreakSpace has proven that being surrounded by a supportive group makes the journey easier, more joyful, and far more impactful.To learn more about joining the BreakSpace community, visit www.gobreakspace.com.Get Involved💬 Got your own career break questions? DM us or email (links in show notes) and Katrina may answer them in a future episode.Timestamps00:00 Celebrating One Year of BreakSpace05:46 The Power of Community in Coaching09:41 Overcoming Internal Struggles During Breaks14:21 Redesigning Life: A Common Desire16:03 The Importance of Community in Break JourneysListen 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.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Schedule a call with Katrina - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://kmcgheecoaching.as.me/schedule.php⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Order Katrina's book - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.kmcgheecoaching.com/book⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Email - takingacareerbreakwithkatrina@gmail.comInstagram - ⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/takingacareerbreak/?hl=enProduced by Winging It Productions - ⁠https://www.wingingitproductions.com⁠
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    21 min