Retire Often

How anyone can take multiple career breaks to unlock adventure, advance their career, and find financial freedom

By: Jillian Johnsrud

Narrated by: Jillian Johnsrud, Mack Sanderson

Read by Author Jillian Jonhsrud

Why do we have to work for 40 years and only retire once? Why can’t we take occasional career breaks to focus on the other areas of life that matter: family, friends, adventure, rest, hobbies, our health, and achieving long-held dreams? And what if there was a way of doing so that not only avoided financial or career downsides – but brought profound upsides?

Author Jillian Johnsrud has walked the walk – taking numerous mini retirements that have unlocked work-life balance and a more purposeful life, while also helping rather than hindering her career thanks to simple steps and practical principles that anyone can follow.

She has coached hundreds of people to achieve the same, and in Retire Often she shares everything you need to make the most of every season of life by retiring not once – but often.

Accompanied by a thoughtful foreword from author JL Collins, The Simple Path to Wealth, this book is packed with personal anecdotes, applicable advice, and handy tips, making it a must-buy manual for anyone seeking more freedom and balance in their lives.

Critic reviews

Retire Often provides a roadmap for ambitious professionals to accelerate their careers—without working nonstop! Sabbatical programs aren't talked about enough, and Jillian Johnsrud is starting an important conversation

Sometimes it feels like we have to choose between financial freedom and a life of adventure. Jillian shows us it's possible to have both. Retire Often offers keen insights and fresh perspectives that will help anyone navigate their life's path with confidence.

Most of us face a false choice: work until we're ready to retire forever, as though retirement is a one-way door. But there's a smarter path. Mini-retirements let you strategically hit pause, realign your priorities, and enjoy epic adventures punctuated throughout your life. Retire Often delivers the practical blueprint for how to do this—without blowing up your finances or career momentum. The key takeaway? Retirement isn't an all-or-nothing proposition. You can experience multiple meaningful breaks throughout your journey while also building long-term wealth.

Retire Often will give you a vision for how you can design your working career and finances in an entirely different way; one that reflects your values and gives space for your biggest goals.

Great Actionable Tips

The book is filled with actionable tips to take a mini retirement or coast to financial independence.

The next step in my financial life

This books is amazing for discussion a key next step in my financial journey. Now that I have a bit of stability and want to incorporate some living into my life, this book discuss practical steps for taking a bit of time away from work, either for a small time or for a real break. Great to hear the stories of others that have done this and the many options open and available. I’ve talked to my boss about taking a month off straight this year and look forward to the many benefits this will bring.

Actionable Steps for Career Break Confidence

Retire Often presented a compelling case for taking time away from work multiple times throughout a career. I've delayed a 3-month sabbatical to explore several National Parks with my husband for over 2 years since it was originally planned because I love my current job and can't bear to quit, but the principles in Retire Often give me confidence that I can help frame this as a positive break with my employer and take the trip without negatively impacting my career!