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Don't wait for retirement: How career breaks enrich your life with Jillian Johnsrud
Description
What if taking extended time off work could actually boost your lifetime earning potential? Meet Jillian Johnsrud, who by age 40 has taken over a dozen "mini retirements" — month-long career breaks that allowed her to travel to 27 countries, buy real estate, learn new skills, and completely reinvent her career.
This conversation reveals why switching jobs combined with strategic breaks often leads to bigger raises than staying loyal to one employer. Jillian shares her funding formulas, creative strategies, and why some dreams can't wait for traditional retirement.
Whether you're burned out, curious about career breaks, or just tired of postponing the life you actually want, this episode will shift your perspective on what's possible.
Episode Timestamps:
[05:00] Jillian’s very first mini retirement: the cross-country road trip that changed everything[07:00] How mini retirements can increase your lifetime earning potential[11:00] Signs you might need a mini retirement vs. just a vacation[15:00] The most accessible first steps for planning a career break on any budget[22:00] Jillian's experiences that unexpectedly changed her perspective[24:00] How much money to save and avoiding over-preparation paralysis[30:00] Preparing your business for a mini retirement when you're self-employed[39:00] Designing intentional, transformative breaks (not just unstructured time off)[46:00] What to do if you’re scared to step away for career break[48:00] Dreams with expiration dates and the seasons of life that won't wait[52:00] Rapid fire: packing essentials, dream locations, and money advice
Connect with Jillian:
Website: retireoften.com
Social: @jillianjohnsrud
Podcast: Retire Often Podcast
Book: "Retire Often" (launches September 9th, 2025)
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