Episode 46 - There Were Signs: How We Learned to Break the Status Quo and Lessons in Courage, Authenticity, and Going Your Own Way
In this reflective and deeply personal episode, Katrina and James explore the moments in their lives when the signs were there all along—the nudges, red flags, and inner whispers that pointed them away from the status quo and toward a more aligned, authentic life. These are the stories that shaped who they became, long before a career break was even on the horizon.
Katrina opens up about her early career choices and the unmistakable moments when she knew she didn’t quite fit into the mold around her. From turning down a “safe” corporate job despite external pressure, to boldly choosing time over money at just twenty-four, she shares the decisions that signaled she was a square peg refusing to squeeze into a round hole. She also recounts a pivotal, vulnerable moment in business school—standing in front of a room of high-achieving MBA students and choosing authenticity over conformity—that ultimately reinforced her belief in staying true to herself.
James mirrors these stories with his own path, including the unconventional decisions that pulled him away from expectation and toward possibility. He reflects on turning away from the typical academic route, choosing music over traditional subjects, discovering the world of long-term travel, and how those early experiences shaped the life he eventually built. His story of working relentlessly to fund a two-year adventure—and the shift years later toward building a sustainable, purpose-driven career—reveals just how powerful it can be to raise the bar for your own life.
Together, they explore how these moments add up: the subtle knowing, the brave choices, the course corrections, and the willingness to disappoint others in order not to disappoint yourself. This conversation is for anyone standing at a crossroads, sensing that something in their life no longer fits, and wondering whether they dare to choose something different.
If you’re feeling the pull toward a career break, a lifestyle shift, or a version of life that aligns more deeply with who you are, this episode will remind you that honouring those signs can open the door to possibilities you haven't even imagined yet. You’re not meant to fit into every space—sometimes the life you want starts with simply admitting the shape of who you are.
Timestamps
00:00 Introduction to Status Quo Breakers
01:53 Courage to Follow Your Own Path
03:48 Personal Stories of Career Decisions
09:50 Defining Success on Your Own Terms
16:33 The Importance of Vulnerability
22:34 Navigating Life's Seasons
25:22 Final Thoughts on Time and Alignment
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
Produced by Winging It Productions - https://www.wingingitproductions.com
22 mins
Dec 3 202518 mins
20 mins
Nov 24 20251 min
29 mins
19 mins
24 mins
26 mins