The Breaking Work Journal

In 2018 work wasn't working for me, so I "Broke" it. Now I help people break work and design life on their terms. Join 14,000+ who are listening to the conversations and reading the strategies of top performers who have "Broken" work and designed more aligned career paths.

Aug 28 • 3 min read

Before you RAGE quit, break work in your mind - The Break Issue 78


Want to see how to make more money, create more impact, and live more free? Find out how simple it is to go Self-Directed.

The Unbreakable Career Design Lab is my signature coaching program that helps stuck, unfulfilled senior professionals break corporate dependence and build dynamic portfolio careers that support their freedom, family and finances.

We are literally shattering limitations in this program and transforming lives. I invite you to become a part of it by applying below.

Learn more at https://www.thebreakworkshop.com/r/b​


I talk about “Breaking” Work.

In my mind it is the act of breaking down the constructs and default actions we take around work, and replacing them with our own ideas, systems and structures that suit us.

Creative destruction at its finest.

This is a powerful idea because it means putting in some critical thought and taking agency over a long term process that take up the majority of your waking hours.

Breaking work is thus a high leverage activity that pays downstream dividends for years.

But breaking work isn’t about rage quitting, taking a sabbatical or moving to Nepal an shunning all worldly possessions.

It’s about being Self-Directed in how you approach success, achievement, life and work.

Breaking Work happens in 2 phases:

  1. Mentally (compartmentalizing in your mind)
  2. Physically (leaving your job, building a business, etc)

We often get so caught up in our work - the tasks, the responsibilities, the promotion track - that we lose perspective. Our job becomes such a big part of our identity and self-worth that it's hard to find fulfillment outside of it. But what if we could take a step back and detach?

Detaching from work in your mind first is an important exercise. It creates the mental space and clarity needed to pursue activities that bring you joy, and ultimately make your work more enjoyable. Here are some tips:

  • Remember that you are bigger than your job. Your identity extends far beyond what you do from 9-5. So work should fit in your LIFE not the other way around.
  • Get very clear on your unique ADVANTAGES (you can use these to craft a better role for yourself).
  • Plan your recovery. Set time aside each week to disconnect and rejuvenate.
  • Don't tie your self-worth to promotions or workplace validation. External measures don't define your inner value.
  • Practice mindfulness techniques like meditation to gain distance from constant work thoughts.
  • Set firm work/life boundaries. Learning to "switch off" is a skill that takes time.
  • Reflect on your priorities and values outside of work. What really matters most to you?
  • Make a plan to align work and life. Could a role change or reduction provide more balance?

Mentally detaching is how you create space, when you are ready to leave corporate behind, but you want to do so smartly and in a risk managed way. It is the first step I teach in the Career Design Lab - my signature coaching program.

Then we step in to that space to create an ideal Vision of your future. One that takes into account who you are today (at your best) and what you deeply want your life to look like.

If you want to see how it works, sign up for the free webinar here: https://www.thebreakworkshop.com/r/b​

Then we build it!

The irony is that by purposefully detaching from work, we gain perspective that allows us to approach work more positively. The mental break makes us more engaged, fulfilled employees. So try giving yourself permission to detach, and see what creative inspiration follows! Maybe you won’t even want to leave after you let go!

Stay Unbreakable,

Michael Gardon

P.S. if you're not ready to look at the future, and want a better way to understand yourself today + and all the Advantages you hold, check out my Advantage Mapping Course.


Whenever you're ready, there are 3 ways I can help you:

1. Get in the Breaking Work conversation on LinkedIn. Messages are open. Follow me here.

2. Find your new job! Remote tech jobs curated for you. Follow me on Pallet.

3. Promote your brand/business to 14k+ subscribers by sponsoring our newsletter contact partners@rejoinmedia.com (Booked out 4 weeks)

Resources To Make Your BREAK

  • Advantage Mapping Course: Learn how to leverage your unique strengths and build a self-directed life.
  • Curated Job Board: I teamed up with Pallet to create a tech focused, remote first board. I’d love it if you joined 20+ followers. Maybe, just maybe you’ll find your next big opportunity here.
  • Career Quiz: Take the Advantage Mapping step of learning how you're wired and for what roles!
  • Recommended Reading: My list of must reads to BREAK your view of the world and what's possible for you.
  • Side Hustle Database: Over 200+ ideas to bring out your creative side as you explore your path. Maybe it will end up being your BREAK!

You made it to the end! Hopefully you learned something about breaking your career today! If so, please share this with someone you care about.

P.S. What did you think of today's email? Click one of the ratings below to send us your feedback. We'd love to know what you think!

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In 2018 work wasn't working for me, so I "Broke" it. Now I help people break work and design life on their terms. Join 14,000+ who are listening to the conversations and reading the strategies of top performers who have "Broken" work and designed more aligned career paths.


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