July 30, 2025

Mini Retirements: How to Take a Break Sooner That Could Also Boost Your Career and Income with Jillian Johnsrud

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Mini Retirements: How to Take a Break Sooner That Could Also Boost Your Career and Income with Jillian Johnsrud

#239: Why wait until you're 65? It's feasible for almost anyone to take a mini retirement and when done right, it can also fast-track your career and income. Learn how to plan one, negotiate time off, manage costs, avoid pitfalls, and make it work if you’re self-employed. Plus, we share tips for handling health insurance and other logistics during your mini-retirement.

Jillian Johnsrud is the author and host of Retire Often. She’s taken more than a dozen mini-retirements and coaches people to pursue meaningful goals, take mini-retirements, and align their money with what matters most.

 

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Resources Mentioned

Jillian: Website | Podcast | Instagram

Jillian's Book: Retire Often

 

Full Show Notes

(00:00) Introduction

(02:12) Why Traditional Retirements Are Flawed

(04:32) What Is a Mini Retirement?

(06:50) How to Make More Money by Working Less

(09:46) Managing Your Time During a Mini Retirement

(11:57) Common Types of Mini Retirements

(15:43) Ways to Design an Impactful Mini Retirement

(18:19) Financial Implications of a Mini Retirement

(20:40) Chris and Amy's Mini Retirement

(22:57) How to Negotiate a Mini Retirement With Your Employer

(30:41) Paid Leave vs. Unpaid Leave

(37:18) Finding Work After a Mini Retirement

(42:10) Tips for People Who Are Self-Employed

(46:52) How to Plan, Save, and Spend for Your Mini Retirement

(49:33) Estimating the Cost of a Mini Retirement

(53:45) All the Different Ways a Mini Retirement Can Go Wrong

(56:55) Should You Take a Mini Retirement With or Without Your Partner?

(59:07) Health and Travel Insurance Options

(1:01:09) Jillian's Parting Advice

(1:02:23) Where to Find Jillian and Her Work

 

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