🎙️ It’s Never Too Late to Take a Career Break: An Inspiring Story with Katrina McGhee
In this week’s episode, James Hammond sits down with career break coach and author Katrina McGhee to explore one of the most empowering truths about work and life — it’s never too late to change direction. Fresh off celebrating her 46th birthday, Katrina shares how a chance encounter with an inspiring woman in her late fifties reminded her — and all of us — that age should never be a barrier to reinvention.
From leaving behind a stable career in finance at 49 to becoming a thriving holistic esthetician and business owner, this real-life story is proof that courage, clarity, and self-belief can transform your path at any stage of life. Together, James and Katrina dive deep into what it really means to take a career break, how to navigate fear and uncertainty, and why redefining success can open the door to true fulfillment.
This episode is packed with insight for anyone who’s ever felt “too old” or “too far along” to pivot, take a midlife career break, or chase a long-buried dream. Katrina also shares her wisdom on the emotional side of change — from dealing with external expectations to rediscovering your joy, energy, and purpose outside of work.
If you’ve ever wondered whether it’s possible to step away from the grind, find your spark again, and build a life that feels more aligned, this episode will give you the motivation (and permission) to do it.
Join us for a heartfelt conversation that challenges the myth of “too late” — and reminds you that your next chapter could be your brightest yet.
Get Involved
💬 Got your own career break questions? DM us or email (links in show notes) and Katrina may answer them in a future episode.
🎧 Follow Taking A Career Break With Katrina McGhee for more weekly tips, stories, and guidance.
🌍 Share this episode with someone who’s been talking about needing a break — it might give them the courage to finally do it.
Timestamps
00:00 Introduction – Why it’s never too late to take a career break
02:15 Katrina’s birthday reflections and what sparked this episode
05:00 Real stories of reinvention: From finance to facialist
10:40 Courage to pivot: How to walk away from security
14:00 Finding purpose and joy beyond your career
18:30 Why waiting until retirement might cost you more than you think
22:45 Redefining success, happiness, and validation
25:00 Final thoughts – what it really means to live a brighter life
Listen now and reclaim control of your career break journey.
🔔 Subscribe for more deep dives into career growth, work-life balance, and mental resilience.
🎧 Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and every podcast app!
📩 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
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/takingacareerbreak/?hl=en
