The Gap Year Podcast

ADULT GAP YEAR SERIES: When Hard Work Backfires: Reimagining Ambition with Chantaie Allick

Michelle Dittmer spoke with Chantaie Allick of Rework about burnout, ambition, and creating a healthier relationship with work. Chantaie shared how her own burnout led to Rework’s mission: helping people pursue “ambition with ease” through rest, play, creativity, self-awareness, and self-compassion.

Key Takeaways

• Burnout is a systemic issue, not a personal failing. It requires a systems-based solution, led by leaders who model well-being.
• "Ambition with Ease" reframes success as a sustainable process, not a depleting pursuit. It uses rest, play, and creativity to achieve goals without burnout.
• The Rework Equation is a 5-step framework to move beyond burnout by first recognizing its root causes, then using rest, play, and creativity to build new, sustainable habits.
• Self-compassion is the foundational skill for this work. It counters the shame of burnout and enables learning from mistakes, which is critical for growth.

Topics

The Problem: Burnout & Systemic Failures

• Rework was founded by Chantaie and a co-founder after their own experiences with severe burnout in tech marketing.
• Burnout is a systemic issue, not a personal failing.
  • Individual Responsibility: Unfairly places the burden on individuals to identify and manage burnout.
  • Systemic Failure: Leaders often equate efficiency with productivity, ignoring the human cost.
• The "Trickle-Down Effect of Well-being": Leaders must model healthy behaviors to create a sustainable culture.

The Solution: Ambition with Ease

• A philosophy to achieve goals sustainably, avoiding depletion.
• Core Principle: "To go fast, you need to go slow."
  • Slowing down → better decisions and faster progress.
  • Contrasts with "go fast and break things," which often leads to burnout.
• Focus: Enjoy the process and find meaning in daily work, rather than chasing a future "plateau."
• Foundation: Rest, play, and creativity.

The Framework: The Rework Equation

• A 5-step process for moving beyond burnout.
• 1. Recognize: Identify burnout symptoms and the systemic/personal patterns that cause it.
• 2. Rest: Address the 7 types of rest (physical, mental, emotional, etc.).
  • Resource: restquiz.com (Dr. Sandra Dalton-Smith) helps identify specific depletion areas.
• 3. Play: Engage in activities for neuroplasticity and learning.
• 4. Creativity: Apply new thinking to problems.
• 5. New Ways of Being: Make practical life choices aligned with values, aiming for well-being within one's current context.

The Foundational Skill: Self-Compassion

• The "superpower" for doing this work effectively.
• Rationale: Counters the shame of burnout and allows for learning from mistakes, which is essential for growth.
• Resource: Dr. Kristin Neff's website offers exercises like the "Self-Compassion Break."

Helpful Links

💼 Rework: https://re-work.ca/

Follow Them on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/reworkmovement

Check them out on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/reworkmovement/

👤Dr. Kristin Neff’s self-compassion resources: https://self-compassion.org

🤗Self-compassion break: https://self-compassion.org/category/exercises/#self-compassion-break

🧘Dr. Sandra Dalton-Smith’s rest quiz: https://restquiz.com

 

Connect With The Canadian Gap Year Association

 

• Find more resources at the Can Gap website https://www.cangap.ca/

• Follow on Instagram http://www.instagram.com/cangapassociation/

• Follow on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/ucangap

• Follow on Twitter https://twitter.com/ucangap

• Follow on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCuBit8gLXEOxaBggoGmykjQ

 

ADULT GAP YEAR SERIES: Your Standing-Ovation-Worthy Second Act with Shannon Russell

Michelle spoke with Shannon Russell about reinvention, especially for women navigating career and life transitions. Shannon shared her own path from 16 years in television production to entrepreneurship, coaching, and writing, and explained how to approach change as a purposeful “second act” rather than a loss.

About Shannon

• Former television producer with a 16-year career in TV
• Transitioned after becoming a mom
• Founder of multiple businesses
• Author of Start Your Second Act
• Coaches women through career reinvention and entrepreneurship

Main Themes

• Women often follow a “rules-based” path until life changes prompt reassessment
• Career shifts can happen after motherhood, caregiving, burnout, layoffs, or simple restlessness
• A non-linear path is not a failure — it’s a stepping stone
• Reframing change as a new chapter or second act helps reduce fear

How to Know It’s Time for a Change

• Ask: Why am I considering this move?
• Identify what about the next step is exciting
• Notice whether your current role still aligns with your values, life stage, and needs
• Consider whether you’ll regret not making the change later

Practical Advice

• Do your research before leaping
• Learn the actual day-to-day of a new role or business
• Talk to people in the field
• Understand the financial realities
• Keep early plans private until you feel confident
• Start small if needed — a second act does not have to be a giant leap

Key Takeaway

Shannon encouraged listeners to stop waiting for the perfect time and instead move forward with clarity, curiosity, and confidence. Small steps, thoughtful research, and staying connected to your “why” can help make a new chapter feel possible.

Website

🎬 Second Act Success: https://secondactsuccess.co/

 

Connect With The Canadian Gap Year Association

 

• Find more resources at the Can Gap website https://www.cangap.ca/

• Follow on Instagram http://www.instagram.com/cangapassociation/

• Follow on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/ucangap

• Follow on Twitter https://twitter.com/ucangap

• Follow on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCuBit8gLXEOxaBggoGmykjQ

 

ADULT GAP YEAR SERIES: Quit Work for a Year Without Quitting (The Deferred Salary Plan)

Michelle spoke with John Cuddie, a retired HR professional with deep experience in school boards, about deferred salary leave plans — a structured way to save for a year off work. John shared how he used the program twice, what he did during his leaves, and why intentional pauses can be personally and professionally valuable.

About John

• Spent 30+ years in HR with three school boards
• Later worked as an employment advisor helping new immigrants and youth
• Approves deferred salary leave plans as part of his HR background
• Took two deferred salary leaves himself

What Is a Deferred Salary Leave?

• A leave of absence funded by saving part of your salary in advance
• Common structure: “four over five”
  • Work 4 years at 80% pay
  • 20% goes into a trust account
  • Take the 5th year off using those savings
• Often includes pension/benefit considerations and a contractual return-to-work agreement

What John Did on His Leaves

First Leave

• Home projects: painting, purging, tidying
• Family travel to India and Dubai
• Trips with kids to Broadway/New York and a ski holiday

Second Leave

• More household and personal tasks
• Significant time supporting a close friend going through cancer treatment
• Some travel as well

Main Takeaways

• A year off can be invigorating
• It can also be humbling — work continues without you
• Time away helps people see they are not their job
• It creates balance and makes room for other forms of contribution

What Holds People Back

• Financial concerns about living on reduced salary
• Uncertainty about what the future may hold over a 4–5 year planning period
• Family changes, life changes, and possible cancellation of plans

Planning Considerations

• Budget carefully
• Think through staffing and who will cover your role
• Consider family and partner dynamics
• Balance practical tasks with rest, fun, travel, and connection
• Use the time to invest in what matters most

Practical Advice/Next Steps for you

• Start by talking to your employer or boss
• Ask your payroll department about the details
• Review CRA guidance on tax implications
• Be ready to discuss staffing and return-to-work planning

Connect With The Canadian Gap Year Association

 

• Find more resources at the Can Gap website https://www.cangap.ca/

• Follow on Instagram http://www.instagram.com/cangapassociation/

• Follow on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/ucangap

• Follow on Twitter https://twitter.com/ucangap

• Follow on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCuBit8gLXEOxaBggoGmykjQ

 

ADULT GAP YEAR SERIES: The Courage to Change Your Path With Lori Stephenson

Michelle spoke with Lori Stephenson, a career coach and leadership developer, about how to navigate life's transitions with curiosity and courage. Drawing on her own career pivot and years of coaching experience, Lori shared practical tools for self-reflection, reframing fear, and taking meaningful action toward change.

About Lori

• Founder of My Big Sky — supports students, mid-career professionals, and those approaching retirement
• Background in leadership development, career coaching, and career transition
• Former communications and talent development professional at Accenture
• Coaches individuals on self-awareness, career direction, and how to lead others

Key Themes

Knowing Yourself Before Making a Move

Lori encouraged people to dig into three core areas before pursuing change:

• Interests — what keeps showing up that you genuinely enjoy?
• Capabilities — what are you actually good at, separate from what you like?
• Environment — where do you thrive? Who do you need around you? Do you prefer collaboration or independence?

Self-Reflection Questions to Get Started

• What were my peak moments over the last 10–15 years — what was I doing, who was I with?
• What energizes me? What do I dread?
• What do people continually thank me or recognize me for?
• How do I want to contribute?
• What am I putting off or waiting for — and do I really have to wait?

Practical Tools

• Do a peaks and valleys exercise across your career
• Write everything down — get it out of your head and onto paper
• Use AI or psychometric tools to help spot patterns you might miss
• Look for non-negotiables — things you will never compromise on again
• Pick one small action, give it a deadline, and find someone to hold you accountable

On Fear and Discomfort

Lori referenced the work of Susan David (Emotional Agility):

"Discomfort is the price of admission to a meaningful life."

• Fear is often a signal to pause and consider — not a reason to stop
• Challenge the stories you tell yourself about why change is impossible
• Be selective about whose input you take in — limiting perspectives often come from other people's fears, not yours

Moving from Thinking to Action

• Stop waiting to have it all figured out
• Go from big thinking → distilled insights → one concrete step
• Connect with people in person — buy someone a coffee, ask questions, get out of your own world
• Ask yourself: If time, money, and approval weren't factors, what would I be doing?

Lori's Personal Story

After 10 years at Accenture, Lori felt misaligned and burned out. She proactively put herself on a restructuring list, took 12–18 months to recover and reflect, and used that time to discover her passion for career coaching. She describes it as one of her proudest decisions — and proof that you don't need to have the full plan before you take the first step.

Resources

☀️ My Big Sky: https://www.mybigsky.ca/

🧠Emotional Agility: https://www.susandavid.com/

 

Connect With The Canadian Gap Year Association

 

• Find more resources at the Can Gap website https://www.cangap.ca/

• Follow on Instagram http://www.instagram.com/cangapassociation/

• Follow on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/ucangap

• Follow on Twitter https://twitter.com/ucangap

• Follow on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCuBit8gLXEOxaBggoGmykjQ

 

ADULT GAP YEAR SERIES: Matrescence Unpacked with Ashley Beatty

Michelle spoke with Ashley Beatty, a matrescence educator and motherhood coach, about the profound and often unacknowledged transformation women go through when they become mothers. The conversation explored a practical framework — the Matrescence Matrix — to help mothers understand their changes and make decisions that truly reflect who they are now, not who they were before.

About Ashley

• Trained Matrescence Educator
• Motherhood and Self-Development Coach
• 20 years in education
• Mom of two (ages 7 and 12)
• Works with women navigating the transitions of motherhood across all areas of life

What is Matrescence?

• The transition to and through motherhood — similar to adolescence
• Not a one-time event — it is iterative and cyclical, recurring with each new stage of a child's development
• Universal to all mothers, but unique in how it is experiencedby each individual
• Largely undiscussed and unsupported, despite being a massive identity and life shift

The Matrescence Matrix

Developed by Nikki McCahon; visualized as a pie chart with 8 domains

Domain	What It Covers
Physical	Body changes through pregnancy, birth, and recovery
Psychological	Identity shifts, sense of self, emotional changes
Social	How "mom" is perceived and valued in your social circles
Cultural	Broader societal views and expectations of motherhood
Relationships	Changes to partnerships, friendships, and family dynamics
Career	Shifting priorities, career interruptions, work-life alignment
Spiritual	Legacy, values, religion, purpose
Economic	Financial impact of maternity leave, career pauses, childcare costs

How to Use the Matrix

1. Map your changes — on the pie chart, mark how much you've shifted in each domain (outer edge = most change, center = least)
2. Identify what feels "prickly" — those areas likely signal a misalignment with your current values
3. Explore your values — acknowledge that values shift through motherhood and that's okay
4. Make decisions from that place — rather than defaulting to pre-motherhood expectations or external pressure

Key Themes

• Duality is valid — "I want to grow my business AND be present with my kids" — both can be true
• Matrescence is cyclical — hard seasons are followed by growth; decisions made now don't have to be permanent
• Shame and guilt often stem from unacknowledged changes rubbing up against outdated expectations
• You can't "have it all" in every season — the matrix helps prioritize what matters right now

Resources & Links

• 🌐 Website: https://www.ashleybeatty.ca
• 💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashley-beatty-24095239/
• 📸 Instagram: @ashleybcoach
• 🤰Matrescence Expert: https://www.nikkimccahon.com/
• 🤰Fishtank of Motherhood: https://drsophiebrock.com/thefishtankofmotherhood

 

Connect With The Canadian Gap Year Association

 

• Find more resources at the Can Gap website https://www.cangap.ca/

• Follow on Instagram http://www.instagram.com/cangapassociation/

• Follow on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/ucangap

• Follow on Twitter https://twitter.com/ucangap

• Follow on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCuBit8gLXEOxaBggoGmykjQ

 

ADULT GAP YEAR SERIES: The Non-Linear Path that Leads to Happiness with Carli Fink

Michelle spoke with Carli Fink, a certified career development practitioner, about the realities of non-linear careers, why people still idealize linear ones, and how to make smart, strategic career transitions. The conversation also made a compelling case for adult gap years as a tool for career exploration and self-discovery.

About Carli

• Certified Career Development Practitioner
• Runs Foreseeable Futures — a career counseling practice focused on non-linear careers
• Also works part-time for a consulting company and teaches career classes at a university
• Originally trained as a K-12 teacher; her own career has spanned student life, academic advising, career counselling, and workforce development

Benefits of a Non-Linear Career

1. Personal fulfillment — careers that served you at 25 may not serve you at 45; transitions allow you to meet evolving needs
2. Resilience and adaptability — diverse experience protects against labor market shocks
3. Transferable skills — the same advice we give young people (keep doors open, diversify experience) applies throughout your entire career

It's Not Too Late — Reframing Career Age

• Working lives are getting longer (many now work into their 70s)
• Someone in their late 30s may have 30+ more years of working life ahead
• At that stage, you've barely entered the "adult chapter" of your career
• Key message: Dreams don't have deadlines

Signs It May Be Time to Consider a Career Change

• Consistently leaving work feeling drained and depleted
• Noticing systematic issues with the industry or profession, not just a temporary rough patch
• Feeling disengaged or going through the motions for an extended period
• Dissatisfaction that isn't resolved by seasonal changes or minor adjustments

Best Practices for Making a Career Transition

1. Diagnose the Problem Correctly

• Track when feelings of frustration or disengagement arise
• Is it specific tasks? Certain people? Structural conditions of the industry?
• Fixing the wrong problem leads to the same dissatisfaction in a new role

2. Prototype in Low-Cost, Low-Risk Ways

• Talk to people working in fields you're considering
• Read or listen to content from people in those fields
• Volunteer, take a course, or build a personal project to test competencies
• Explore before making a full leap

The Adult Gap Year Connection

• An adult gap year is essentially an extended prototyping opportunity
• Provides time and space for self-exploration that full-time employment rarely allows
• Can be used to:
  • Explore new career paths
  • Develop new competencies
  • Test interests in a hands-on way
  • Return to a former employer with clarity — or transition into something new
• Organizational sabbaticals, extended leave, or deferred pay plans can all create this opportunity

Key Quotes
"It's hard to fix the problem if you don't know what it is."

"You can prototype things before you actually jump in a big way."

"Working lives are getting longer — you may be much younger in your career than you realize."

Resources & Links

• 💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carlifink/
• 🌐 Website: https://www.foreseeablefutures.ca/

Takeaway

Non-linear careers are not a consolation prize — they are an adaptive, fulfilling, and increasingly strategic way to navigate a changing world of work. Whether you're 28 or 58, it is never too late to reconsider your path, and an adult gap year can be a powerful tool to make that transition thoughtfully and intentionally.

Connect With The Canadian Gap Year Association

 

• Find more resources at the Can Gap website https://www.cangap.ca/

• Follow on Instagram http://www.instagram.com/cangapassociation/

• Follow on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/ucangap

• Follow on Twitter https://twitter.com/ucangap

• Follow on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCuBit8gLXEOxaBggoGmykjQ

 

ADULT GAP YEAR SERIES: Wanderlust: Family Edition with Charles Achampong

Charles Achampong joined Michelle to share the story of how his family took a year-long trip around the world. What began as a seed of an idea on his honeymoon in Rio de Janeiro became a 10-year plan that ultimately transformed his family's relationships, perspectives, and approach to life.

About Charles

• Husband and father of two girls (ages 9 and 12)
• 20+ years across public, private, non-profit, and philanthropic sectors
• Focuses on helping communities solve complex problems
• Now speaks and writes about the power of pausing and intentional living
• Author of Around the World in Family Days

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How It Started

• His wife planted the seed on their honeymoon — a dream to take their future family around the world
• Became a 10-year financial and logistical plan
• The pandemic reinforced their decision — life is short, and waiting isn't guaranteed
• Originally planned as an African safari for her 40th birthday; evolved into a full world trip

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Key Barriers They Faced

• Financial fear — shifting from scarcity mindset to values-based decision making
• Logistics overwhelm — schooling, travel routes, work; most were solvable
• Illusion of readiness — there is no perfect moment; you have to interrupt life yourself
• Identity — letting go of titles, productivity, and career momentum
• Execution reality — fatigue, missed flights, sibling arguments; growth comes from friction

Values-Based Decision Making

• Most pre-trip decisions were default decisions, not deliberate ones
• The gap year forced the question: What do we value enough to reorganize our lives around?
• Key family values identified:
  • Quality time together before kids become teenagers
  • Exposing children to the world beyond the classroom
  • Living in alignment, not just in stability
• Practical exercise suggested:
  • Review your last 3 months of calendar — where is your time going?
  • Review your last 3 months of bank/credit card statements — where is your money going?
  • Do these reflect your actual values?

Advice for Others

• "Don't wait until life forces you to pause — practice choosing a pause intentionally."
• You don't need a full year; even micro-sabbaticals create meaningful disruption
• The goal is disruption of routine, not just duration
• Get honest about what's really holding you back — it's usually fear, not logistics
• Involve your kids (or family) in the planning process

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Resources & Links

• 🌐 Website: https://www.charlesachampong.com/
• 💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/charlesachampong/
• 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aroundtheworldinfamilydays/
• 📖 Book: Around the World in Family Days: What We Learned When We Left It All Behind and Traveled the Globe

Connect With The Canadian Gap Year Association

 

• Find more resources at the Can Gap website https://www.cangap.ca/

• Follow on Instagram http://www.instagram.com/cangapassociation/

• Follow on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/ucangap

• Follow on Twitter https://twitter.com/ucangap

• Follow on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCuBit8gLXEOxaBggoGmykjQ

 

 

Gapforce: From Marine Conservation to Game Ranger Training

Michelle spoke with two Gapforce representatives about gap year options centered on marine conservation and game ranger training. The conversation covered how the programs work, the support Gapforce provides before and during travel, and the personal and professional value of gaining conservation experience abroad.

Key Points

• Gapforce is a UK-based gap year provider operating since 1989.
• Krista is a program advisor based in New York and supports North American applicants.
• Eve completed Gapforce’s South Africa game ranger course and now works in operations.

Programs Discussed

Marine Conservation

• Offered in Thailand and Costa Rica
• Participants join ongoing research projects
• Certifications mentioned:
  • PADI scuba certifications
  • SSI / RAID dive training
  • Dive Master opportunities
  • Dive Instructor pathway in Costa Rica

Game Ranger Course

• Based near Port Elizabeth, South Africa
• 8-week immersive course living on a reserve
• Leads to Field Guide Association of Southern Africa (FGASA) Level 1 qualification
• Includes conservation work, wildlife learning, and reserve management knowledge
• Shorter 2–4 week volunteer options are also available

Support Offered by Gapforce

• Info calls with Krista
• Pre-departure portal
• Document and packing support
• WhatsApp groups before departure
• Ongoing communication while participants are abroad
• Check-ins after the program ends

Main Themes

• Conservation work gives participants a chance to contribute to long-term projects
• Hands-on experience is more meaningful than “symbolic” volunteering
• Programs build:
  • confidence
  • adaptability
  • cultural exchange
  • practical skills
  • resume value

Advice Shared

• Eve: “Don’t panic.”
• Krista: "Be adaptable and go in with an open mind."

 

Gapforce: https://gapforce.org/

GameRanger Program: https://gapforce.org/trips/south-africa-game-ranger

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gapforce

 

Connect With The Canadian Gap Year Association

 

• Find more resources at the Can Gap website https://www.cangap.ca/

• Follow on Instagram http://www.instagram.com/cangapassociation/

• Follow on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/ucangap

• Follow on Twitter https://twitter.com/ucangap

• Follow on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCuBit8gLXEOxaBggoGmykjQ

 

From Saskatchewan to Germany: How a Gap Year Transformed One Student's Confidence

Madison shared her experience with the International Rural Exchange program, including working in Saskatchewan and then spending time in Germany. She talked about learning to navigate homesickness, language barriers, and uncertainty, and how the experience helped her grow more adaptable, confident, and present.

Key Takeaways

• Unique Internship: Madison's 8-month internship with International Rural Exchange (IRE) provided a rare "full-circle" view, combining 4 months of office work in Alameda, SK, with 4 months as a participant in Leipzig, Germany.
• Homesickness as a Tool: She acknowledged persistent homesickness but used it as motivation to stay present and explore, rather than letting it derail her experience.
• Core Learning → Adaptability: The experience taught her to manage uncertainty, pivoting from panic to problem-solving (e.g., booking a hotel after two missed trains), building deep self-trust.
• Advice: Don't wait to feel "ready." Growth happens by learning to carry discomfort and trusting your own capability.

Topics

Background & Current Activities

• Participant: Madison Waskowic
• Current Role: 4th-year Bachelor of Commerce student (Marketing, Int'l Business) at U of S.
• Other Activities:
  • Mobile Support Equipment Operator, Canadian Army Reserves
  • U of S student group connecting international students with peers, a role now more meaningful due to her own experience abroad.

The IRE Internship: A "Full-Circle" Experience

• Origin: Found IRE via the Edwards School of Business's 8-month paid internship program.
• Motivation: The role's unique structure—4 months office work + 4 months abroad—perfectly aligned with her travel goals.
• Phase 1: Office Work (4 months, Alameda, SK)
  • Gained an insider's view of exchange logistics (planning, communication, problem-solving).
  • Realized IRE is a small, personal team, not a large corporation.
  • Built connections that provided confidence for her own journey.
• Phase 2: Participant Experience (4 months, Leipzig, Germany)
  • Location: Leipzig, Germany (pop. ~Winnipeg), chosen for its manageable size.
  • Activities:
    • 2 months of intensive German language classes.
    • Remote social media work for IRE, managing the time difference.
  • Travel: Explored Germany and visited a friend in Denmark.

Challenges & Key Learnings

• Challenge 1: Language Barrier & Homesickness
  • Arrived in Germany with no prior German language skills.
  • Experienced persistent homesickness but consciously chose not to let it dictate her experience.
  • Strategy: Acknowledged feelings while staying present, exploring, and building a routine.
  • Insight: Learned to appreciate small details (e.g., lavender scent) as a way to connect with the moment.
• Challenge 2: Managing Uncertainty
  • Example: Two consecutive trains were canceled at a small, remote station.
  • Initial Reaction: Panic.
  • Pivot: Shifted to problem-solving → booked a hotel in the main city for the night.
  • Outcome: Built deep self-trust and confidence in her ability to handle unexpected setbacks.

Helpful Links:

• International Rural Exchange (IRE) https://awaytowork.ca/
• Canadian Gap Year Association / Gap Year Podcast https://www.cangap.ca/

Connect With The Canadian Gap Year Association

 

• Find more resources at the Can Gap website https://www.cangap.ca/

• Follow on Instagram http://www.instagram.com/cangapassociation/

• Follow on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/ucangap

• Follow on Twitter https://twitter.com/ucangap

• Follow on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCuBit8gLXEOxaBggoGmykjQ

 

ADULT GAP YEAR SERIES: Take a Liberty Leave with Danica Nelson

What if taking time off wasn’t a setback, but the smartest move you could make? In this episode, Michelle Dittmer of the Canadian Gap Year Association sits down with Danica Nelson, founder of Liberty Leave, to talk about adult gap years, career breaks, and why intentional pauses matter at every stage of life. Danica shares how burnout led her to negotiate six months away from work, travel through Southeast Asia, and completely rethink her path. Together, they explore financial planning, mindset, navigating hard conversations, and how a well-designed break can help you realign with your values, energy, and goals.

3 Key Takeaways

• A Liberty Leave is about alignment, not escape. Danica explains that a career break is not just about resting—it is about stepping off autopilot and making more intentional life and work choices.

• Planning makes the break possible. From her 4P framework to her “freedom formula,” Danica shows how practical steps like budgeting, saving, and creative income planning can turn the idea of a break into a realistic plan.

• You do not take a break to come back harder. One of Danica’s biggest lessons is that rest should not be used to fuel more burnout. The real goal is building a life that feels sustainable, joyful, and true to you.

Key Links

• Liberty Leave (Danica Nelson’s program):
  https://www.libertyleave.com/

• Mini Retirement Summit:
  https://www.miniretirementsummit.com/

• CanGap Adult Gap Year Resources
  https://www.cangap.ca/miniretirement

• Danica Nelson on Instagram:
  https://www.instagram.com/danicasnelson/?hl=en

• Danica Nelson on YouTube:
  https://www.youtube.com/@danicasnelson