The Midlife Sabbatical: Taking a Career Break in Your 50s with Sarah Hager

At 52, Sarah Hager stepped away from a 30-year corporate career to take a midlife sabbatical she never planned for. Rob and Brent sit down with Sarah to talk about the events that pushed her to walk away, what she learned in two years of travel, rest, and creative exploration, and how she eventually came back to work on her own terms. It's a grounded, honest look at what a midlife career break can actually look like — the emotional side, the financial bridge, and the quiet confidence that comes from finding yourself again. Links, resources, books mentioned: Join the Midlife Circus Community on Substack (https://community.midlifecircus.fm/) Follow us: Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebook, YouTube Visit Episode Website (https://midlifecircus.fm/episodes/epi...) Sarah’s Etsy Shop – Hernage Creek Design (https://www.etsy.com/shop/HernageCree...) Topics we are covering in this episode: What prompted Sarah to step away from a 30-year career at 52 The emotional side of taking a midlife sabbatical How to bridge the financial gap between working and full retirement Rediscovering yourself in the quiet after stepping away Unlocking creativity through a print-on-demand Etsy business Going back to work on your own terms — pay cut and all Advice for anyone considering a midlife career break