# The Hardest Step of a Career Break: How to Finally Decide to Take One

Page: https://stenobird.com/podcast/taking-a-career-break-with-katrina-mcghee-7039735/the-hardest-step-of-a-career-break-how-to-finally-decide-to-take-one
Text version: https://stenobird.com/podcast/taking-a-career-break-with-katrina-mcghee-7039735/the-hardest-step-of-a-career-break-how-to-finally-decide-to-take-one.md
Podcast: [Taking a Career Break with Katrina McGhee](https://stenobird.com/podcast/taking-a-career-break-with-katrina-mcghee-7039735)
Published: 2026-03-11T13:00:00+00:00
Episode link: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/wingingitproductions/episodes/The-Hardest-Step-of-a-Career-Break-How-to-Finally-Decide-to-Take-One-e3g8mt1
Audio file: https://anchor.fm/s/10363f8cc/podcast/play/116726113/https%3A%2F%2Fd3ctxlq1ktw2nl.cloudfront.net%2Fstaging%2F2026-2-11%2F419749575-44100-2-7b6b2ddfea338.mp3
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Duration seconds: 1898

## Resource

Episode 60 - The Hardest Step of a Career Break: How to Finally Decide to Take One Deciding to take a career break might be the hardest step of the entire journey. In this episode of Taking a Career Break , career break coach Katrina McGhee and co-host James Hammond dive into the moment that stops so many professionals in their tracks: how to actually decide whether to take a career break or sabbatical. For ambitious professionals and high achievers, stepping away from a career can feel risky. You may be dealing with burnout, questioning your purpose, or wondering if there’s more to life than the constant pressure of work — but the fear of losing momentum, income, or identity can keep you stuck in the same routine. So how do you know if it’s truly time to pause? Katrina shares the decision-making framework she has used with more than 200 coaching clients around the world to help professionals evaluate whether a career break is right for them. This practical approach helps people move from uncertainty and overthinking to clarity and confidence about their next chapter. Together, Katrina and James unpack the mental barriers, fears, and expectations that often stop people from taking a break — from financial worries and career anxiety to the pressure of what others might think. If you've ever asked yourself: Should I take a career break? How do I know when burnout means it's time for a sabbatical? What is the best way to decide if stepping away from work is the right move? This episode will help you explore those questions and start thinking differently about your career, your wellbeing, and your future. You’ll also hear how taking a career break can become an opportunity to reset your priorities, rediscover your purpose, travel, rest, learn new skills, or redesign the li…

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