Retire Often launches September 9, 2025
Available for Preorder!
“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.”
— Jason Feifer, Editor in Chief of Entrepreneur Magazine
“…But you should read this book, and boy howdy how I wish I’d had it back then. If I had, my mini-retirements (which, make no mistake, were great) could have been so much better. So much less stressful. So much more beneficial. Instead of wandering in the wilderness feeling lost, I would have had this map. I would have had Jillian at my metaphorical side, guiding and reassuring me as I made my way. But I didn’t. She hadn’t written this book yet. But now she has, and now she is here for you…”
— JL Collins, Author of The Simple Path to Wealth and Pathfinders
Interested in Retire Often Group Coaching?
This group coaching is for people who are looking to step away from their 9-5 for a month or longer, maybe even forever. If you are considering taking a career break this year, group coaching will help you navigate that transition more effectively and make the most of your time off.
About Me
Jillian Johnsrud never expected to be able to retire early, so she hatched a plan to retire often. Inspired by the idea of sabbatical years, she set out to sprinkle our retirements throughout her working life.
At 40, Jillian and her family have taken over a dozen mini retirements. These allowed them to pursue dreams like living abroad, traveling to 27 countries, adopting four kids (plus two biological kids), investing in real estate, and traveling the U.S. in a camper.
Jillian has taught, coached, and wrote about mini retirements for almost a decade. She hosts the Retire Often podcast and is a popular speaker and consultant for mini retirements. She lives in
Montana, where she spends time in her garden drinking tea.
Get Started with some Free Resources
Considering a Sabbatical?
These exercises will also help motivate you as you can start to visualize how beneficial your mini-retirement will be. They might even help you decide when the right time is to embark on this adventure.
Plan an Incredible
1-Month Mini-Retirement
In this mini-workbook, you’ll learn how to negotiate a month off in your current job. Need some inspiration for what you can do in a 1-Month Sabbatical, check out this list of ideas.
Latest Content
See what I’m creating on my podcast Retire Often and blog posts
How to Decouple Identity from Career for a Mini-Retirement
Summary In this conversation, Mitch shares his journey towards a mini-retirement, discussing the challenges of decoupling his identity from work, the role of therapy in his transition, and the planning involved in their adventure. He reflects on the joy of spending...
Mini Retirements: A Lifetime of Adventures by saving 6.5%
Summary In this solo episode, Jillian discusses the concept of mini-retirements, exploring how much one needs to save to enjoy these experiences throughout life. She emphasizes the importance of planning, budgeting, and finding ways to increase income or reduce...
Developing Failure Immunity with an around the World Trip
Summary In this conversation, Charles shares the inspiring journey of taking a seven-month mini retirement with his family, exploring the motivations behind their decision, the planning process, and the transformative experiences they encountered along the way. He...
Seasons of Life with Expiration Dates
Summary In this solo episode, Jillian discusses the necessity of taking mini retirements to engage in meaningful activities that have expiration dates, such as family adventures. Jillian reflects on her own experiences and the unpredictability of life, encouraging...
A Small (and not so sweet) Update
Late this Spring, I walked into a therapist's office. The conversation began as most do, “So what made you decide to start therapy?”“My life is imploding.” I said in a rather dry and unmoved way.He seemed curious but doubtful. “Imploding? Well, let’s start with why...
When the Dream Job Becomes Soul Crushing
In this conversation, Jacob Wade shares his transformative journey from a high-stress tech sales job to a life of travel and family connection through a mini retirement. He discusses the mental health challenges that led to his decision, the planning and execution of...