Vale Jokisch is a Career Breaker. After years of leadership in the social and environmental impact space, Vale found herself facing burnout, personal loss, and a desire to be more present for her family. Encouraged by a friend’s reminder that she’s irreplaceable at home but not at work, Vale made the courageous decision to step away from her executive role and take a break. In this episode, Vale shares how she structured her break intentionally—focusing on family, local volunteering, creative pursuits, and training for a triathlon. A pivotal Designing Your Life workshop helped her reflect on her strengths and discover a new path in consulting, a career that aligns her skills with a healthier work-life balance. Vale offers thoughtful advice for anyone considering a career break, emphasizing the importance of reflection, intention, and growth—even in small moments. Tune in to hear Vale’s inspiring story of transformation and learn how taking a break can lead to a fulfilling and balanced future. Listen now and follow for more stories from bold Career Breakers like Vale. Music from #Uppbeat https://uppbeat.io/t/ra/let-good-times-roll License code: P8SHZMV1E9VJ1VYV

Shannon Kenyon is a Career Breaker. After realizing that her role no longer aligned with her vision as a leader, Shannon took the courageous step to leave her job and refocus on what truly mattered. During her break, she launched her “coffee project”—a unique approach to networking that allowed her to explore new possibilities and ultimately led her to a rewarding career in learning and development. In this episode, Shannon shares the highs and lows of her journey, from overcoming anxiety and navigating the “yoga pants phase” of self-doubt, to finding support through mentorship and coaching. Now thriving in a role that aligns with her goals, Shannon reflects on the dreams she’s achieved and offers insights for others seeking a path that aligns with their values. Tune in to hear Shannon’s story of resilience and rediscovery. Listen now and follow for more inspiring stories from bold Career Breakers like Shannon. Music from #Uppbeat https://uppbeat.io/t/ra/let-good-times-roll License code: SFIGZGG8FEBBXGRM

Erica Davis is a Career Breaker.  After nearly two decades in healthcare leadership, Erica found herself feeling burnt out and unfulfilled, craving a life more centered around family, health, and her own well-being. She took a brave step back from her corporate role to explore her passions and priorities, embarking on a four-month sabbatical to reconnect with what truly mattered. During her time off, Erica focused on family, mountain biking, and discovering her calling in wellness coaching. This led her to launch Wellness With Erica, where she supports women in achieving healthier, more balanced lives. By using her paid time off and working part-time, Erica thoughtfully built a financial safety net to ease her transition into her new venture. She now encourages others to consider taking a pause before burnout to find clarity on their own paths. Tune in to hear Erica’s journey of reflection, resilience, and building a career that aligns with her passions and priorities. Listen now and follow for more inspiring stories of bold Career Breakers like Erica! Music from #Uppbeat https://uppbeat.io/t/ra/let-good-times-roll License code: QUCIJSYJLHDSTWJI

Alison Tierney is a Career Breaker. After reaching a leadership role, Alison realized the traditional career path wasn’t bringing her the fulfillment she had envisioned.  She took a courageous step and embraced a career break to rediscover what truly brings her joy in both work and life.  During her break, Alison navigated the anxieties and self-doubt that can come with stepping away. Through community involvement, volunteering, and a focus on patience and self-discovery, Alison gained new clarity on what matters most in her career. Now, as the Director of Inclusive Business Partnerships at WSP, she is deeply engaged in work that aligns with her values and passions. Tune in to hear Alison’s journey of self-reflection, resilience, and finding a new path that honors her passions and priorities. Listen now and follow for more inspiring stories of bold Career Breakers like Alison! Music from #Uppbeat https://uppbeat.io/t/ra/let-good-times-roll License code: YBIE46MZ2LI8H8PX

Cecile Oreste is a Career Breaker. With a marketing and communications career spanning non-profit arts organizations in cities across the globe, Cecile has always valued travel and exploration. After reflecting on her career during the pandemic, she made the bold decision to take an extended break—traveling for a year and a half with her partner while working part-time remotely. Cecile's break led her to embrace a new perspective on work-life balance, challenging the idea that career success is tied to title or salary. By living on a modest budget and working 10-15 hours a week, she discovered the freedom to explore new places while also redefining her relationship with work. Her story highlights the power of stepping away to gain clarity on your priorities and create a lifestyle that aligns with your values. Tune in to hear Cecile’s inspiring journey of international travel, self-discovery, and redefining success. Listen now and follow for more bold Career Breakers like Cecile! Music from #Uppbeat https://uppbeat.io/t/ra/let-good-times-roll License code: BTN0YWWQLY1KPQ9I

Colby Nichols is a Career Breaker. After co-founding and running a successful design studio for 12 years, Colby found himself at a crossroads. Burnt out and no longer connected to his "why," he knew something had to change. Overwhelmed by the challenges of entrepreneurship and the added stress of the pandemic, Colby made the courageous decision to step away from his work for a year-plus-long break. That decision marked the start of Colby’s journey to slow down, let go of productivity pressures, and embrace the uncertainty of not knowing what was next. During his time off, Colby reconnected with his creativity, allowed himself space to just "be," and found new clarity on his path forward. Today, Colby is thriving in a role that reignited his passion—Art Director at Magic: The Gathering in the gaming industry. His story is a testament to the power of taking a break, processing burnout, and rediscovering a renewed sense of purpose. Tune in to hear Colby’s inspiring story of stepping away, navigating uncertainty, and finding his way back to fulfilling work. Listen now and follow for more bold Career Breakers like Colby! Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/ra/let-good-times-roll License code: AM5PYUVORM3HKEYK

Megan Leatherman is a Career Breaker. After working in a burnout-inducing HR job, Megan knew she needed a change. She left her corporate role in Boston and moved back to Oregon. Though she had no idea what she wanted to do next, she was certain of one thing: she couldn't continue down the same path. That leap marked the beginning of Megan’s journey to realign her work with nature’s cycles and break away from capitalism’s relentless push for productivity. During a second career break in late 2019/2020, Megan gained even deeper clarity on her purpose after observing all that was going on in the world at the time. Through these pauses, she not only reassessed her own life but also deepened her understanding of capitalism’s impact on the way we work and live. Now, Megan helps others see that our constant drive to produce isn’t natural, teaching people how to navigate the pressures of capitalism while reclaiming the freedom to step back and breathe. Tune in to hear Megan’s powerful story and learn how taking a natural pause can lead to the clarity you need to move forward into a more fulfilling career. Listen now and follow for more inspiring stories from bold Career Breakers like Megan! Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/ra/let-good-times-roll License code: IOY1CB8KKSNFM3SN

Chris Coladonato is a Career Breaker. After years of thriving in corporate talent development, Chris Coladonato felt a growing sense of unfulfillment and knew it was time for a change. Taking a courageous leap, she stepped away from her corporate career to launch her own consulting business, only to find herself replicating the same patterns she sought to escape. It wasn’t until she attended a transformative retreat that Chris discovered her true calling: guiding others to reconnect with themselves through nature. Now a certified forest bathing guide, Chris leads immersive experiences that help people unplug from the hustle of everyday life and rediscover what truly matters. Tune in to hear Chris’s inspiring journey and learn how embracing uncertainty can lead to a more authentic and fulfilling career path. Listen now and follow for more uplifting stories from bold Career Breakers like Chris! Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/ra/let-good-times-roll License code: QGEEHMSNPTRTYWAI