Episode 47 - The 5 Essential Ground Rules for a Successful Career Break

In Episode 47 of Taking a Career Break with Katrina McGhee, Katrina and James sit down in person to explore the five essential ground rules for creating a successful, fulfilling, and regret-free career break.

Together, they walk through what it truly means to define a personal version of success, why planning the re-entry phase before the break even begins can transform the experience, and how understanding the financial side of a break brings clarity and confidence. They also dig into the emotional reality of disconnecting from work in a hyper-connected world and discuss why bringing focus back onto oneself remains the cornerstone of a meaningful break.

Katrina shares insights from coaching more than 200 clients, including real examples of navigating uncertainty, emotional lows, financial fears, and the pressure to stay productive. The conversation highlights how a well-structured break can help listeners step out of burnout and step into a healthier, more intentional life.

This episode is designed for anyone considering a break, planning one, or struggling to make sense of time away from work. With a mix of practical advice and heartfelt honesty, James and Katrina offer a roadmap to make any career break purposeful, aligned, and transformative.

As always, if you’re enjoying this podcast, please leave us a 5-star rating, share this episode with someone who needs to hear it, and subscribe so you never miss a new conversation.

Timestamps

00:00 – Welcome to Episode 47
00:50 – Why ground rules matter for a career break
02:10 – Rule #1: Create your own definition of success
06:40 – Can your definition of success change mid-break?
07:55 – Why your purpose should remain consistent
10:30 – Rule #2: Plan for your re-entry period
13:00 – What happens when you don’t feel ready to return to work
16:40 – How Katrina landed 5 job offers in 5 weeks
20:00 – Rule #3: Know your numbers
25:00 – Budgeting vs saving — and how it impacts your break
27:30 – Extending your break with smart financial planning
31:10 – Rule #4: Disconnect from the working world
34:20 – Why LinkedIn is the enemy of a peaceful break
37:00 – Managing FOMO, comparison, and work-related anxiety
41:00 – Rule #5: Put the focus back on yourself
45:15 – Setting boundaries with others and with yourself
48:00 – Bringing your break back to your purpose
50:30 – Why the final five ground rules are in the book
51:20 – Wrap-up and takeaway message

Listen now and reclaim control of your career break journey.

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

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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 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

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