The prospect of taking an extended unpaid break from work can be daunting. But with the right financial planning, it can be an opportunity to pause, spend time with family and explore new avenues
Megan Valentine took a career break from primary school teaching. Photo: Frank McGrath
At the beginning of 2022, Karin McCarthy was at a crossroads. She had recently lost her father, while her children had reached adulthood and she was feeling burnt out.
“There were loads of life events coming up. I was turning 50. My kids were turning 18 and 21…and it just felt like I had been working, working, working,” she says.