Summer Series #5 - Henriette Left a Successful Corporate Career at 55 — And It Changed Everything Henriette was a successful engineering manager leading multiple corporate teams, but behind the achievements, she was exhausted, disconnected from herself, and asking a question many high achievers quietly carry: “Is this all there is to life?” In this inspiring Summer Series conversation, Henriette shares how she went from burnout and late-night tears to taking a fully intentional career break at the age of 55. Guided by a powerful vision she called Vision 60, she began redesigning her health, relationships, adventures, and future instead of simply escaping a demanding job. Katrina and Henriette explore the moment she realised work was crowding out the life she truly wanted, how she created a purpose-driven career break, and why she was surprised to discover she had more financial freedom than she thought. They also discuss the fears that almost stopped her, including the belief that you do not walk away from a well-paid corporate role and the uncertainty of re-entering the workforce later in life. During her break, Henriette filled her days with long walks, slow running, forest adventures, national park visits, family travel, and meaningful time with her husband, sons, grandchildren, and even her 80-year-old father. She also shares the unexpected joy of making new friendships and learning how to bring celebration and fun into ordinary life. The conversation takes a powerful turn when Henriette explains how she applied for a dream management role from a lake house while visiting family in the United States, despite not planning to return to work for several more months. What happened next challenged every fear she had about career breaks and re-entry after 50. This episode is a moving reminder that taking a career break is not about giving up ambition. It can be about coming back with more energy, better boundaries, clearer priorities, and a deeper sense of being fully alive. Email Henriette today with any questions you have: henriette@slowrunliving.com 🎙️ Enjoying the podcast? ⭐ Follow or subscribe on your favourite podcast app so you never miss an episode! 💬 If the show has helped or inspired you, leaving a quick 5-star review genuinely makes a huge difference and helps more people discover the podcast. 📲 And if you know someone feeling burned out, stuck in their career, or dreaming about taking a career break, share this episode with them — it might be exactly what they need to hear. ❤️ Your support helps us continue creating honest conversations, practical advice, and inspiring stories for people ready to make a change. ▶️ Watching on YouTube? Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and turn on notifications so you never miss future episodes and career break conversations - https://www.youtube.com/@TakingaCareerBreakwithKatrina Timestamps 00:00 – Burnout behind a successful career 03:48 – “Is this all there is?” 06:02 – Creating Vision 60 09:09 – The breaking point 13:40 – Choosing the career break 16:40 – Financial clarity 19:13 – Nature, health, and new habits 21:57 – The final decision 27:24 – The break begins 31:00 – Family travel and unexpected opportunities 33:00 – Running and reconnecting with herself 35:59 – New friendships 37:24 – Bringing joy into everyday life 42:38 – Fear of re-entry 45:08 – Applying for a dream job 48:46 – Getting the job 51:23 – Returning to work differently 57:20 – What changed everything Ready to stop "running on empty" and start running toward a life you actually love? 🫶🏼Join the BreakSpace community - www.gobreakspace.com 🎁Order Katrina's book (w/ special bonus!) - https://www.kmcgheecoaching.com/book 🔔 Subscribe for more deep dives into career growth, work-life balance, and mental resilience. 🎧Produced by Winging It Productions - https://www.wingingitproductions.com
