Episode 33 - From $0 to $120K: What People Actually Spend on a Career Break

How much does a career break really cost? In this eye-opening episode, Katrina McGhee and James Hammond unpack the actual numbers behind taking time off work—ranging from breaks that cost absolutely nothing to those that hit the $120,000 mark. Whether you're just beginning to think about a sabbatical or already mapping out your finances, this conversation offers clear, practical insights into what you might realistically spend.

Drawing from Katrina’s experience coaching over 100 clients, you’ll hear how break budgets vary dramatically depending on lifestyle choices, travel preferences, and financial responsibilities. She explains how some people manage to take meaningful breaks without adding to their expenses at all, while others choose high-end travel and continue supporting large monthly commitments. The average monthly spend lands around $3,700, but that number is influenced by many factors—from passive income and living arrangements to debt and family needs.

You’ll also hear Katrina’s take on the often-taboo subject of taking a break while still carrying debt, and how smart planning can make it entirely possible. James shares personal experiences too, and together they offer a wealth of tips for budgeting better, cutting down on unnecessary expenses, and aligning your spending with your purpose for the break.

This episode is full of real talk—no fluff or generic advice. It’s designed to help you feel empowered to make informed financial decisions that support your break, rather than delay or cancel it. Katrina outlines how lifestyle audits, mindset shifts, and even simple day-to-day spending changes can drastically increase your savings and make a break feel within reach.

Whether you’re planning to travel, stay local, or reinvent your lifestyle during your break, you’ll come away from this episode with a clearer sense of what’s financially possible. If you're curious about how people actually fund their breaks—and how to budget for your own—this is a must-listen.

Katrina also shares resources from her book Taking a Career Break for Dummies and invites listeners into her supportive coaching space at GoBreakSpace.com.

Timestamps

00:00  – Welcome and episode overview
01:00  – Why money is one of the biggest concerns around taking a break
02:15  – The real cost of Katrina’s 20-month break
03:00  – Career breaks that cost $0 — how it’s possible
04:00  – The most expensive breaks Katrina’s clients have taken
06:15  – How travel style dramatically affects your budget
07:30  – Lifestyle audits that save thousands
08:40  – The hidden impact of lifestyle creep on your finances
10:15  – How one client cut expenses by 40% in under two months
12:30  – Making trade-offs: saving for a break vs. spending now
14:00  – Spending intentionally when planning your break
16:00  – Should you take a break if you have debt?
18:30  – Katrina’s story: taking a break with $42K in student loan debt
20:30  – The average monthly cost of a career break revealed
21:00  – Factors that shape your break budget: income, responsibilities, and travel
24:00  – Most common spending range Katrina sees with clients
25:20  – Final thoughts and how to dive deeper into budgeting with Katrina’s book

Listen now and reclaim control of your career break journey.

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📩 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 feel free to get in touch today to start 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