Ep104: Retire Often: How Mini-Retirements Can Supercharge Your Life and Career

Finding Financial Freedom with The Frugal Physician - Finance, Wellness, Budget, Student Loans, Wealth, Doctor, Fitness, Money

Welcome back to Finding Financial Freedom with Dr. Disha Spath!

In today’s episode, we’re reimagining the traditional path to retirement with the powerful idea of mini-retirements. Instead of waiting decades to enjoy your life, what if you could take intentional breaks throughout your career to recharge, pivot, and pursue passions?

Dr. Disha is joined by Jillian Johnsrud, a trailblazer in the mini-retirement movement. By age 40, Jillian had taken more than a dozen breaks, traveled to 27 countries, adopted four children, and built a life of freedom through intentional living and smart financial strategies. Together, they explore how you can take time off—without blowing up your career or finances.

Key Topics Covered:

1. From Burnout to Mini-Retirement

• How Jillian embedded financial independence into her lifestyle early on.

2. Designing Intentional Breaks

• Different “phases” of mini-retirements—and how each one serves a purpose.

3. Making It Work with Your Career

• Why even high-demand professionals (like physicians) can take sabbaticals.

4. Affording the Life You Want

• How much a mini-retirement actually costs—and how to plan for it.

5. Figuring Out How to Pull from Investments

• Planning your withdrawal strategy while staying financially independent.

6. Organizing Your Work So It's Not a Detriment but a Value Add

• How to organize your work and life to find balance

Listener Takeaways:

• You don’t have to wait until 65 to start living your dream life.
• Mini-retirements are not only possible—they can be career-enhancing.
• Sabbaticals are realistic for both employed and self-employed professionals.
• With the right mindset and financial strategy, anyone can afford a break.

Resources Mentioned:

• Website: https://retireoften.com/
• Retire Often Book: https://retireoften.com/book/
• Book Purchasing Link: https://lnk.to/retireoften
• Free Opt-In Worksheets:
  • Planning: https://retireoften.com/mini/
  • Negotiating: https://retireoften.com/onemonth/
• Workbook: https://retireoften.com/workbook/
• Group Coaching: https://retireoften.com/group-coaching/
• Social Media:
  • Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jillianjohnsrud/
  • Twitter: https://twitter.com/JillianJohnsrud/
  • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jillian-johnsrud/
  • Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@JillianJohnsrud

Connect with Us:

Host: Dr. Disha Spath, The Frugal Physician Guest: Follow Dr. Jillian on LinkedIn

This episode is brought to you by:

Earned Wealth: Earned's unique Doctor Wealth Playbook includes tax planning, investing, insurance, career advisory, and more. It’s a holistic approach from advisors who get the financial pressures of your profession. And for a limited time, Frugal Physician listeners can visit Earned.com/Frugal for exclusive access to this comprehensive planning at a discounted rate.