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Taking A Career Break For Dummies
Taking a career timeout could be the window of opportunity you’ve been looking for Taking A Career Break For Dummies shows you that a career break could be life-changing. Career breaks give us a chance to pause to identify opportunities and dreams, focus on the things we’ve been missing, and develop new skills. This book empowers you to take the leap into your next chapter. There are dozens of reasons you might want to do it, but whatever your circumstance, this friendly Dummies guide will help you value your own well-being, give yourself permission to grow and explore, and reclaim your time, your life, and your happiness. For anyone looking for a new direction, feeling burned out, or longing to reignite that inner spark, Taking a Career Break For Dummies is a must. If you’re looking for help structuring your planned time off, you’ll also love the hands-on guidance and examples inside.
368 pages, Paperback
Published November 15, 2023
13 people are currently reading
27 people want to read
About the author
Katrina McGhee
1 bookKatrina McGhee is a career break and sabbatical expert, author, speaker and certified master coach with an MBA. With her wealth of knowledge and experience, Katrina helps mid-career professionals design transformative life breaks that lead to happiness, personal growth and lasting change.
As an authority in her field, Katrina developed the Break Blueprint, a guiding framework she's used to help over 60 clients rejuvenate their lives by taking a break to travel the world, launch a businesses, change careers and more.
Katrina's work was inspired by her own 20-month career break where she saved $40,000 in just 18 months to quit her corporate job to travel the world. As an avid world traveler and digital nomad, her expertise on career breaks and travel has been featured in prestigious outlets such as Forbes, Smarter Travel, Thrive Global, and Yahoo.
As an authority in her field, Katrina developed the Break Blueprint, a guiding framework she's used to help over 60 clients rejuvenate their lives by taking a break to travel the world, launch a businesses, change careers and more.
Katrina's work was inspired by her own 20-month career break where she saved $40,000 in just 18 months to quit her corporate job to travel the world. As an avid world traveler and digital nomad, her expertise on career breaks and travel has been featured in prestigious outlets such as Forbes, Smarter Travel, Thrive Global, and Yahoo.
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
November 20, 2023
This book is such a wealth of knowledge for all steps of a career break and I love how it has so many examples and activities. Katrina touches on things that I never would have thought of on my own, such as striking a balance between planning and letting things unfold and developing a consistent check-in routine while on a break.
Although this book wasn’t available when I planned my career break last year, I worked with Katrina on most of the steps in this book and I can truly say that it set me up for a successful career break and re-entry into the workforce. I will use this book in the future when planning my second career break (because I’m now hooked) and I would recommend it to anyone planning or curious about a career break.
Although this book wasn’t available when I planned my career break last year, I worked with Katrina on most of the steps in this book and I can truly say that it set me up for a successful career break and re-entry into the workforce. I will use this book in the future when planning my second career break (because I’m now hooked) and I would recommend it to anyone planning or curious about a career break.
November 14, 2023
Many years ago, at the age of 30, I took a career break. I was working as a resident administrator at Georgetown University Hospital in DC, living in Georgetown in the same building as my bestie @wajh , and for all intents and purposes- living my best life.
And yet, despite all the great parts of my life during that time, I became aware I wasn’t living my best life.
More accurately- I wasn’t living MY life at all.
An ex had told me I would never make it in DC without him and I spent 4 years trying to prove him wrong. That I could do it. That I could “make it”; whatever that really means.
But when we do things to prove ourselves to others instead of follow our own path and our own desires, we can end up burned out and unsatisfied- even when things aren’t “bad”.
I wish I’d had this book to help guide and prepare me for taking my career break back then. I did my best to save money, give my notice with plenty of time for training the new person, and leave on a high note, but the truth is- I was really scared and unprepared.
I was taking a huge leap of faith without knowing exactly what I was having faith in! I didn’t have a plan other than to save money, quit, and move.
I love what Katrina says in Ch 16 about “Creating Your Own Definition of Success”: “Don’t try to replicate someone else’s experience. Just because it looks good or worked for them doesn’t mean the same experience will give you what you need. Designing a break to meet your own unique needs and desires is the recipe for success!”
We only get one life to live. Learning when to hold ‘em, when to fold ‘em, or when to walk away for a bit (thank you Sir Kenny Rogers), helps us have a fulfilling and balanced life we can enjoy living.
And yet, despite all the great parts of my life during that time, I became aware I wasn’t living my best life.
More accurately- I wasn’t living MY life at all.
An ex had told me I would never make it in DC without him and I spent 4 years trying to prove him wrong. That I could do it. That I could “make it”; whatever that really means.
But when we do things to prove ourselves to others instead of follow our own path and our own desires, we can end up burned out and unsatisfied- even when things aren’t “bad”.
I wish I’d had this book to help guide and prepare me for taking my career break back then. I did my best to save money, give my notice with plenty of time for training the new person, and leave on a high note, but the truth is- I was really scared and unprepared.
I was taking a huge leap of faith without knowing exactly what I was having faith in! I didn’t have a plan other than to save money, quit, and move.
I love what Katrina says in Ch 16 about “Creating Your Own Definition of Success”: “Don’t try to replicate someone else’s experience. Just because it looks good or worked for them doesn’t mean the same experience will give you what you need. Designing a break to meet your own unique needs and desires is the recipe for success!”
We only get one life to live. Learning when to hold ‘em, when to fold ‘em, or when to walk away for a bit (thank you Sir Kenny Rogers), helps us have a fulfilling and balanced life we can enjoy living.
December 3, 2023
Reading this book has been a game changer for me. After reading only the first five chapters, I can articulate how my upcoming career break (sabbatical) will help me meet my future professional goals. I learned how to create a vision that is authentic to my own personal values, selecting themes to structure the time away (learning, exploration, creativity, wellness, etc). I also learned to level up my dreams to ensure I return without regrets, and I want to energized upon reentry to the workforce in a new business or a new role.
The book offers structure, advice, tips and activities to determine the length of the break and cost of a career break. I learned how to account for unexpected good surprises or losses that may happen during the break.
This is a great book for anyone who is even thinking “I wish I could do this BUT…..”
As someone who felt “stuck” in an an industry where where exhaustion is normalized, taking a career break -even a short one- can be the investment in yourself that restores and recalibrates your commitment to the work you love or used to love doing!
The book is a "Must read" and a great resource for those executives or leaders who manage employees that with high turn over and levels of burnout in their industry.
The book offers structure, advice, tips and activities to determine the length of the break and cost of a career break. I learned how to account for unexpected good surprises or losses that may happen during the break.
This is a great book for anyone who is even thinking “I wish I could do this BUT…..”
As someone who felt “stuck” in an an industry where where exhaustion is normalized, taking a career break -even a short one- can be the investment in yourself that restores and recalibrates your commitment to the work you love or used to love doing!
The book is a "Must read" and a great resource for those executives or leaders who manage employees that with high turn over and levels of burnout in their industry.
August 20, 2025
I read this book 16 months into a current career break. I know the timing seems strange, but it was what felt right to me. This book gave me so much to consider as I embark on the Re-Entry stage of my break, and I desperately needed Katrina’s wisdom and encouragement that is provided in this book. Additionally, I felt very validated with some of the insights she shared that I’ve already discovered, either on my own or through the online Breakspace community that she has formed since writing this book.
For anyone considering a career break (or at any stage in the process!), do yourself a favor and read this book. The framework it provides in what is a very emotionally turbulent time makes it worth every penny!
For anyone considering a career break (or at any stage in the process!), do yourself a favor and read this book. The framework it provides in what is a very emotionally turbulent time makes it worth every penny!
December 1, 2023
This book is chock-full of so much great advice for anyone who is ready for a break, but has questions about making it happen. My favorite part are all the real-life examples from other people who have gone on breaks and come out the other side as different, more fulfilled people.
December 2, 2023
I'm turning 30 next week, and somehow I've found myself in my second "career break" in medical school, wondering what went wrong during my last break two years ago... I found my answer in this book!
From the moment, I heard Katrina speak at a Forté Foundation event earlier this year, I have been captivated by her story and energy. I knew she was someone I had to get to know and I hope this book continues to reveal the unimagined in my life.
As soon as I got my hands on this pre-order copy, I jumped right into chapters 4, 7, and 10 – creating a career break plan, gaining support from others while creating accountability, and getting the most out of your break.
I felt seen in her stories and words, and can’t wait to spend time savoring each activity. Here are some gems I’m holding onto for now:
Leave room to evolve – “To experience the best break possible, don’t overplan. Leave room in the itinerary so a more healed, restored, and inspired version of you can influence the plan and contribute new and previously unimagined ideas for what to do during the break.” pg. 80.
Realizing the benefits of sharing your news: setting a new tone for your life – “When you’re able to be vulnerably honest and real about what you want for yourself and your life, you’ll access a new level of personal freedom and draw in people who want to support you on this journey… When you share your news, you lean into the belief that others want to delight in this goodness with you. And that attracts even more opportunities for fun, connection and support…” pg. 147-148
Processing and adapting to change – “If you’re used to pushing through and accomplishing things even when you’re exhausted, this may feel uncomfortable at first… Give yourself lots of down-time and enjoy this temporary life of leisure… Loving yourself more deeply can help you reconnect to the fun, silly, and unique parts of yourself that you’ve lost touch with. You may see how amazing you are when you’ve healed your burnout and are living a life that feels aligned… You’re learning as you go, and that’s hard work… know that change can happen quite quickly – if you stay committed to yourself and the purpose of your break.” pg. 218 & 237-238
From the moment, I heard Katrina speak at a Forté Foundation event earlier this year, I have been captivated by her story and energy. I knew she was someone I had to get to know and I hope this book continues to reveal the unimagined in my life.
As soon as I got my hands on this pre-order copy, I jumped right into chapters 4, 7, and 10 – creating a career break plan, gaining support from others while creating accountability, and getting the most out of your break.
I felt seen in her stories and words, and can’t wait to spend time savoring each activity. Here are some gems I’m holding onto for now:
Leave room to evolve – “To experience the best break possible, don’t overplan. Leave room in the itinerary so a more healed, restored, and inspired version of you can influence the plan and contribute new and previously unimagined ideas for what to do during the break.” pg. 80.
Realizing the benefits of sharing your news: setting a new tone for your life – “When you’re able to be vulnerably honest and real about what you want for yourself and your life, you’ll access a new level of personal freedom and draw in people who want to support you on this journey… When you share your news, you lean into the belief that others want to delight in this goodness with you. And that attracts even more opportunities for fun, connection and support…” pg. 147-148
Processing and adapting to change – “If you’re used to pushing through and accomplishing things even when you’re exhausted, this may feel uncomfortable at first… Give yourself lots of down-time and enjoy this temporary life of leisure… Loving yourself more deeply can help you reconnect to the fun, silly, and unique parts of yourself that you’ve lost touch with. You may see how amazing you are when you’ve healed your burnout and are living a life that feels aligned… You’re learning as you go, and that’s hard work… know that change can happen quite quickly – if you stay committed to yourself and the purpose of your break.” pg. 218 & 237-238
February 25, 2025
DNF. This book felt like 2-3 blog posts stretched out into a book using excessive filler. The reading experience features a ton of this kind of thing:
"Section 1. In this section you will find the following chapters: 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5. In chapter 1, we will talk about xyz. In chapter 2..."
"Welcome to chapter 1. This chapter is divided in parts a, b and c. In part a, we will talk about..."
"Welcome to chapter 1, part a. We will talk about xyz in this part."
"This concludes chapter 1. In this chapter, we talked about x, y, and z. In the next chapter, we will talk about..."
And on, and on, and on. Even though I was very interested in the topic, I couldn't stand the padding and endless "stop-start" rhythm. Quit telling me what you're about to say, and just SAY it! I promise I'll be able to follow along -- this isn't quantum mechanics!
Yes, I could have skipped the "structural" stuff once I got a feel for it, but I don't find it enjoyable to read books that way. Plus, even when you finally get to the actual content, it feels drawn-out and repetitive as well. Definitely not enough material for the length of the book.
"Section 1. In this section you will find the following chapters: 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5. In chapter 1, we will talk about xyz. In chapter 2..."
"Welcome to chapter 1. This chapter is divided in parts a, b and c. In part a, we will talk about..."
"Welcome to chapter 1, part a. We will talk about xyz in this part."
"This concludes chapter 1. In this chapter, we talked about x, y, and z. In the next chapter, we will talk about..."
And on, and on, and on. Even though I was very interested in the topic, I couldn't stand the padding and endless "stop-start" rhythm. Quit telling me what you're about to say, and just SAY it! I promise I'll be able to follow along -- this isn't quantum mechanics!
Yes, I could have skipped the "structural" stuff once I got a feel for it, but I don't find it enjoyable to read books that way. Plus, even when you finally get to the actual content, it feels drawn-out and repetitive as well. Definitely not enough material for the length of the book.
September 18, 2024
Good book with good advice. It allows you to skip around to which chapter best suits your current experience. I’m already in month 2 of my break so I read chapter 1 and skimmed a few others, but it really started for me at chapter 4. I plan to sit with the exercises as they do ask good questions. The financial chapters assume a lot- such having a savings of $20,000 plus. McGhee also had a lot of assumptions that the break may include a 3 year trip around the world. Which all did not apply to my situation. I enjoy the “dummies” series and they do offer strong advice.
December 7, 2025
The book definitely had some interesting insights on how to approach and undergo a career break! Felt that some passages could have been shorter (plus there were some examples that kept repeating), but besides that can recommend to anyone taking a career break 😊
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews