Episode 443: Work Less & Live More: How To Retire Often & Take Breaks with Jillian Johnsrud

Sep 10, 2025

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This week on the Journey to Launch podcast, I’m welcoming back Jillian Johnsrud, author of Retire Often, to share how you can intentionally step away from work every few years, giving yourself the space to recharge, explore new possibilities, and create meaningful memories.

Jillian has taken more than a dozen “mini retirements,” allowing her to live abroad, travel to 27 countries, adopt and raise six kids, invest in real estate, and pursue personal passions all without waiting until traditional retirement age.

In this conversation, we dive into how you can design your own cycle of work and rest, why taking extended breaks doesn’t derail your finances (and may even accelerate your career), and how to navigate the emotional and practical challenges of stepping away from work.

In this episode you’ll learn:

What “retiring often” means and how mini retirements differ from vacations
How to financially plan and budget for sabbaticals—even with debt
Strategies for negotiating time off, re-entering the workforce, and handling family or personal expectations
Tools and frameworks to help both employees and entrepreneurs rest, recharge, and avoid burnout

Other related blog posts/links mentioned in this episode:

Check out Retire Often, by Jillian Johnsrud
Apply to Share Your Journeyer Story, here.
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