Jillian Johnsrud was struggling. After experiencing a miscarriage, she found it difficult to get back to her role as a youth pastor in Washington, D.C., and chose to take a month off. This unplanned break turned out to be Jillian's first "mini-retirement" — a conscious choice to step away from work for at least 30 days to focus on something meaningful.
Now, Jillian is a mother of six and has embarked on more than a dozen mini-retirements with her children, who are currently between the ages of 8 and 17. During her initial mini-retirement, she and her best friend packed into her green Honda Civic and drove from D.C. to Seattle, leaving her 13-year-old son Micah with her husband at home.
A few years later, Jillian took 15-year-old Micah to Glacier National Park in Montana for another mini-retirement. They encountered mountain goats, enjoyed kayaking together, and swam in frigid waters. This trip created unforgettable memories. Tragically, Micah passed away six years later.
His death shifted Jillian's perception of time. She now realizes that significant moments don’t wait for the right circumstances — they either happen now or are lost forever. Waiting for "someday" could mean losing opportunities for good. This belief influences her philosophy on mini-retirements — life consists of fleeting moments that we can either seize now or miss completely.
“To share those memories with him was priceless,” Jillian explains. This realization also impacts her approach with her other children. From a 10-week road trip to 10 national parks in a pop-up camper to a recent six-month adventure across the eastern United States with her five younger children (ages 8-17), Jillian emphasizes experiences that align with each stage of family life.
If you're considering your own mini-retirement, Jillian suggests focusing on four main areas: managing your time (select just 2-3 priorities), sorting out career logistics (develop a persuasive narrative for your employer), saving money (aim for about 6.5 percent of your income to take a month off every other year), and preparing for emotional insights.
Jillian also highlights the necessity of keeping your mini-retirement fund distinct from your long-term retirement savings. This separate fund, which she calls the “in-between bucket,” allows for enjoyable spending on experiences now instead of delaying all enjoyment until you reach traditional retirement age. As Jillian puts it: “You can’t put off every good thing in your life.”
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Timestamps:
Note: Timestamps may differ on individual listening devices due to varying ad lengths. The provided timestamps are estimates and could be several minutes off.
(0:00) Introduction to mini-retirements
(0:59) Definition of mini-retirement: stepping away from work for 30+ days to focus on something meaningful
(3:03) Jillian shares her initial mini-retirement story following a personal loss
(8:28) Taking time off to appreciate significant life moments before they pass
(12:12) Jillian’s trip to Glacier National Park with her son Micah before his passing
(20:33) Four elements of planning a mini-retirement: time, career, finances, unexpected challenges
(34:14) Time management: selecting 2-3 clear goals rather than trying to accomplish everything
(42:39) Career strategies: presenting your mini-retirement plan to employers
(1:01:29) Financial planning: saving 6.5% of income for breaks every other year
(1:14:34) Addressing unexpected challenges during your time off
(1:20:01) How mini-retirements can bring hidden personal issues to light
(1:33:32) Jillian’s recent family adventures with her five children
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Jillian Johnsrud was struggling. Following a miscarriage, she found it difficult to regain her composure and go back to her position as a youth pastor in Washington, D.C. She chose to take a month off.