Listen "The Future of Career Breaks in 2026: Trends, Data & Why More People Are Taking Sabbaticals"
Episode Synopsis
Episode 48 - The Future of Career Breaks in 2026: Trends, Data & Why More People Are Taking SabbaticalsIn this episode, James and Katrina explore an important question as 2026 approaches: Are career breaks becoming more accepted and normalised, or is the movement slowing down? The conversation reveals a clear answer — the momentum behind sabbaticals is stronger than ever.James invites Katrina to break down the real trends she’s seeing through her coaching, BreakSpace community, and the growing volume of research on the topic. Katrina explains why the demand for sabbaticals keeps increasing, how major platforms like LinkedIn and Harvard Business Review have validated the trend, and why people are feeling more empowered to take intentional time off.They also discuss the most powerful driver behind the rise of career breaks — seeing other real people do it. Whether through personal networks or storytelling, this visibility creates a ripple effect that encourages others to take the leap.The episode touches on burnout, shifting work culture, and why more professionals are questioning the traditional path. James and Katrina also share details about a new 2026 mini-series featuring powerful, real career break stories from individuals Katrina has supported first-hand.For anyone considering a sabbatical, dealing with burnout, or simply curious about the future of the movement, this episode offers clarity, inspiration, and practical insight. Katrina also shares resources and ways listeners can begin exploring their own break.A reflective, energizing, and forward-looking episode as the show heads toward an exciting 2026.As always, if you’re enjoying this podcast, please leave us a 5-star rating, share this episode with someone who needs to hear it, and subscribe so you never miss a new conversation.Timestamps00:00 — Welcome00:49 — How accepted are career breaks heading into 2026?02:20 — What LinkedIn’s Career Break feature tells us04:00 — The role of seeing someone else take a break06:00 — Why the great resignation accelerated the trend08:10 — Burnout, bore-out, and why work is becoming unsustainable09:21 — BreakSpace: the community supporting hundreds of breaks10:00 — The power of real personal stories (and our 2026 mini-series)12:40 — Why everything feels impossible until someone else does it15:00 — How Katrina supports people through coaching and BreakSpace17:30 — Looking ahead to 2026 and what’s coming on the podcast19:00 — A preview of James’s trip to BhutanListen 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.comSchedule a call with Katrina - https://kmcgheecoaching.as.me/schedule.phpOrder Katrina's book - https://www.kmcgheecoaching.com/bookEmail - [email protected] - https://www.instagram.com/takingacareerbreak/?hl=enProduced by Winging It Productions - https://www.wingingitproductions.com
More episodes of the podcast Taking a Career Break with Katrina McGhee
BreakSpace Black Friday Sale Alert!
24/11/2025
ZARZA We are Zarza, the prestigious firm behind major projects in information technology.