Episode Description
Do you think you have to wait until your sixties before you can retire? Maybe not. At least not the way we’ve been taught.
In this episode, I’m joined by Jillian Johnsrud — author, podcast host, and coach — who challenges the idea of a traditional retirement in favor of taking mini retirements throughout your life and career.
Jillian never expected to retire early, so she hatched a plan to retire often. Inspired by the idea of sabbatical years, she began sprinkling mini retirements throughout her life — and by 40 had taken more than a dozen of them.
In our conversation, Jillian explains how mini retirements can help you recover from burnout, pursue long-term travel, test major life assumptions, and strengthen relationships. We talk about what makes a mini retirement different from vacation, how to talk to your employer about taking extended time off, and how to financially prepare.
You’ll also hear Jillian’s personal stories, including therapy, tango, and national park adventures with her kids — and why mini retirements are one of the best investments you can make in yourself.
What You’ll Learn from this Episode
- What defines a mini retirement and how it differs from a vacation
- Why the traditional retirement model doesn’t work for everyone
- How mini retirements can help prevent and recover from burnout
- The career and financial logistics of planning extended time off
- How to frame a mini retirement request to your employer
- Ways to budget and prepare for mini retirements without derailing your finances
- Why mini retirements can make your career more sustainable and meaningful
Featured on the Show:
- Follow me on Instagram
- Get on the waitlist for the Points Made Easy Course here!
- Get My Cash-Back Credit Card Cheat Sheet!
- If you have any questions or you want me to dive deeper into a specific topic, email me here: podcast@pointmetofirstclass.com
- Follow Jillian Johnsrud on Instagram
- Get your copy of Jillian’s book, Retire Often here
- Visit Jillian’s website here https://retireoften.com/
Click here to download full episode transcript
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Point Me to First Class is the show for professionals and business owners with higher-than-average personal or business expenses, who want to learn to leverage these expenses into credit card points they can spend on travel.
Each week, I share valuable tips, tools, and strategies to help you uplevel your skills earning and redeeming credit card points, so you can expand your travel and expand your experiences.
