Episode
How to Start Your Career Break the Right Way (What to Do in Your First Week)
- Published
- Feb 25, 2026
- Duration seconds
- 1853
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Summary
Episode 58 - How to Start Your Career Break the Right Way (What to Do in Your First Week) What should you actually do in the first week of a career break ? In this episode, career break and sabbatical coach Katrina McGhee and co-host James Hammond break down how to start your break the right way — without pressure, guilt, or rushing into the next thing. Drawing on real examples from the BreakSpace community and Katrina’s own deeply personal experience, this conversation explores why the first week of a career break is about decompression, permission, and reclaiming your time — not productivity. You’ll hear practical, realistic ideas for how to celebrate the start of your break (from naps and puzzles to solo road trips and freedom days), along with five powerful guidelines to help you decide what your first week should look like. Furthermore, this doesn't have to be limited to the first week; this could be the first two weeks, three weeks or even a month into your career break. This all depends on yourself and what you feel comfortable with, and this episode is there to get you started! This episode is especially for you if: You’re burned out and about to start a career break or sabbatical You’ve just quit your job and feel unsure how to slow down Your break didn’t start in “perfect” circumstances You want permission to rest without feeling lazy or behind Whether your break begins with excitement, grief, relief, or all three — this episode reminds you that there is no wrong way to begin . Timestamps 00:00 – Welcome to Taking a Career Break 00:51 – Why the first week of a break really matters 02:20 – The physical and emotional adjustment after quitting work 03:39 – Why you need a buffer before travel or big changes 05:28 – Real examples of how people celebrate starting a…