ADULT GAP YEAR SERIES: The Courage to Change Your Path With Lori Stephenson

ADULT GAP YEAR SERIES: When Hard Work Backfires: Reimagining Ambition with Chantaie Allick

Michelle Dittmer spoke with Chantaie Allick of Rework about burnout, ambition, and creating a healthier relationship with work. Chantaie shared how her own burnout led to Rework’s mission: helping people pursue “ambition with ease” through rest, play, creativity, self-awareness, and self-compassion. Key Takeaways * https://re-work.ca/ [https://re-work.ca/] Follow Them on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/reworkmovement [https://www.instagram.com/reworkmovement] Check them out on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/reworkmovement/ [https://www.linkedin.com/company/reworkmovement/] 👤Dr. Kristin Neff’s self-compassion resources: https://self-compassion.org [https://self-compassion.org/] 🤗Self-compassion break: https://self-compassion.org/category/exercises/#self-compassion-break [https://self-compassion.org/category/exercises/#self-compassion-break] 🧘Dr. Sandra Dalton-Smith’s rest quiz: https://restquiz.com [https://restquiz.com/]   Connect With The Canadian Gap Year Association   * Find more resources at the Can Gap website https://www.cangap.ca/ [https://www.cangap.ca/] * Follow on Instagram http://www.instagram.com/cangapassociation/ [http://www.instagram.com/cangapassociation/] * Follow on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/ucangap [https://www.facebook.com/ucangap] * Follow on Twitter https://twitter.com/ucangap [https://twitter.com/ucangap/status/276178230694772736] * Follow on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCuBit8gLXEOxaBggoGmykjQ [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCuBit8gLXEOxaBggoGmykjQ]

ADULT GAP YEAR SERIES: Your Standing-Ovation-Worthy Second Act with Shannon Russell

Michelle spoke with Shannon Russell about reinvention, especially for women navigating career and life transitions. Shannon shared her own path from 16 years in television production to entrepreneurship, coaching, and writing, and explained how to approach change as a purposeful “second act” rather than a loss. About Shannon * Former television producer with a 16-year career in TV * Transitioned after becoming a mom * Founder of multiple businesses * Author of Start Your Second Act * Coaches women through career reinvention and entrepreneurship Main Themes * Women often follow a “rules-based” path until life changes prompt reassessment * Career shifts can happen after motherhood, caregiving, burnout, layoffs, or simple restlessness * A non-linear path is not a failure — it’s a stepping stone * Reframing change as a new chapter or second act helps reduce fear How to Know It’s Time for a Change * Ask: Why am I considering this move? * Identify what about the next step is exciting * Notice whether your current role still aligns with your values, life stage, and needs * Consider whether you’ll regret not making the change later Practical Advice * Do your research before leaping * Learn the actual day-to-day of a new role or business * Talk to people in the field * Understand the financial realities * Keep early plans private until you feel confident * Start small if needed — a second act does not have to be a giant leap Key Takeaway Shannon encouraged listeners to stop waiting for the perfect time and instead move forward with clarity, curiosity, and confidence. Small steps, thoughtful research, and staying connected to your “why” can help make a new chapter feel possible. Website 🎬 Second Act Success: https://secondactsuccess.co/ [https://secondactsuccess.co/]   Connect With The Canadian Gap Year Association   * Find more resources at the Can Gap website https://www.cangap.ca/ [https://www.cangap.ca/] * Follow on Instagram http://www.instagram.com/cangapassociation/ [http://www.instagram.com/cangapassociation/] * Follow on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/ucangap [https://www.facebook.com/ucangap] * Follow on Twitter https://twitter.com/ucangap [https://twitter.com/ucangap/status/276178230694772736] * Follow on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCuBit8gLXEOxaBggoGmykjQ [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCuBit8gLXEOxaBggoGmykjQ]

ADULT GAP YEAR SERIES: Quit Work for a Year Without Quitting (The Deferred Salary Plan)

Michelle spoke with John Cuddie, a retired HR professional with deep experience in school boards, about deferred salary leave plans — a structured way to save for a year off work. John shared how he used the program twice, what he did during his leaves, and why intentional pauses can be personally and professionally valuable. About John * Spent 30+ years in HR with three school boards * Later worked as an employment advisor helping new immigrants and youth * Approves deferred salary leave plans as part of his HR background * Took two deferred salary leaves himself What Is a Deferred Salary Leave? * A leave of absence funded by saving part of your salary in advance * Common structure: “four over five” * Work 4 years at 80% pay * 20% goes into a trust account * Take the 5th year off using those savings * Often includes pension/benefit considerations and a contractual return-to-work agreement What John Did on His Leaves First Leave * Home projects: painting, purging, tidying * Family travel to India and Dubai * Trips with kids to Broadway/New York and a ski holiday Second Leave * More household and personal tasks * Significant time supporting a close friend going through cancer treatment * Some travel as well Main Takeaways * A year off can be invigorating * It can also be humbling — work continues without you * Time away helps people see they are not their job * It creates balance and makes room for other forms of contribution What Holds People Back * Financial concerns about living on reduced salary * Uncertainty about what the future may hold over a 4–5 year planning period * Family changes, life changes, and possible cancellation of plans Planning Considerations * Budget carefully * Think through staffing and who will cover your role * Consider family and partner dynamics * Balance practical tasks with rest, fun, travel, and connection * Use the time to invest in what matters most Practical Advice/Next Steps for you * Start by talking to your employer or boss * Ask your payroll department about the details * Review CRA guidance on tax implications * Be ready to discuss staffing and return-to-work planning Connect With The Canadian Gap Year Association   * Find more resources at the Can Gap website https://www.cangap.ca/ [https://www.cangap.ca/] * Follow on Instagram http://www.instagram.com/cangapassociation/ [http://www.instagram.com/cangapassociation/] * Follow on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/ucangap [https://www.facebook.com/ucangap] * Follow on Twitter https://twitter.com/ucangap [https://twitter.com/ucangap/status/276178230694772736] * Follow on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCuBit8gLXEOxaBggoGmykjQ [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCuBit8gLXEOxaBggoGmykjQ]

ADULT GAP YEAR SERIES: The Courage to Change Your Path With Lori Stephenson

Michelle spoke with Lori Stephenson, a career coach and leadership developer, about how to navigate life's transitions with curiosity and courage. Drawing on her own career pivot and years of coaching experience, Lori shared practical tools for self-reflection, reframing fear, and taking meaningful action toward change. About Lori * Founder of My Big Sky — supports students, mid-career professionals, and those approaching retirement * Background in leadership development, career coaching, and career transition * Former communications and talent development professional at Accenture * Coaches individuals on self-awareness, career direction, and how to lead others Key Themes Knowing Yourself Before Making a Move Lori encouraged people to dig into three core areas before pursuing change: * Interests — what keeps showing up that you genuinely enjoy? * Capabilities — what are you actually good at, separate from what you like? * Environment — where do you thrive? Who do you need around you? Do you prefer collaboration or independence? Self-Reflection Questions to Get Started * What were my peak moments over the last 10–15 years — what was I doing, who was I with? * What energizes me? What do I dread? * What do people continually thank me or recognize me for? * How do I want to contribute? * What am I putting off or waiting for — and do I really have to wait? Practical Tools * Do a peaks and valleys exercise across your career * Write everything down — get it out of your head and onto paper * Use AI or psychometric tools to help spot patterns you might miss * Look for non-negotiables — things you will never compromise on again * Pick one small action, give it a deadline, and find someone to hold you accountable On Fear and Discomfort Lori referenced the work of Susan David (Emotional Agility): "Discomfort is the price of admission to a meaningful life." * Fear is often a signal to pause and consider — not a reason to stop * Challenge the stories you tell yourself about why change is impossible * Be selective about whose input you take in — limiting perspectives often come from other people's fears, not yours Moving from Thinking to Action * Stop waiting to have it all figured out * Go from big thinking → distilled insights → one concrete step * Connect with people in person — buy someone a coffee, ask questions, get out of your own world * Ask yourself: If time, money, and approval weren't factors, what would I be doing? Lori's Personal Story After 10 years at Accenture, Lori felt misaligned and burned out. She proactively put herself on a restructuring list, took 12–18 months to recover and reflect, and used that time to discover her passion for career coaching. She describes it as one of her proudest decisions — and proof that you don't need to have the full plan before you take the first step. Resources ☀️ My Big Sky: https://www.mybigsky.ca/ [https://www.mybigsky.ca/] 🧠Emotional Agility: https://www.susandavid.com/ [https://www.susandavid.com/]   Connect With The Canadian Gap Year Association   * Find more resources at the Can Gap website https://www.cangap.ca/ [https://www.cangap.ca/] * Follow on Instagram http://www.instagram.com/cangapassociation/ [http://www.instagram.com/cangapassociation/] * Follow on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/ucangap [https://www.facebook.com/ucangap] * Follow on Twitter https://twitter.com/ucangap [https://twitter.com/ucangap/status/276178230694772736] * Follow on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCuBit8gLXEOxaBggoGmykjQ [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCuBit8gLXEOxaBggoGmykjQ]

ADULT GAP YEAR SERIES: Matrescence Unpacked with Ashley Beatty

Michelle spoke with Ashley Beatty, a matrescence educator and motherhood coach, about the profound and often unacknowledged transformation women go through when they become mothers. The conversation explored a practical framework — the Matrescence Matrix — to help mothers understand their changes and make decisions that truly reflect who they are now, not who they were before. About Ashley * Trained Matrescence Educator * Motherhood and Self-Development Coach * 20 years in education * Mom of two (ages 7 and 12) * Works with women navigating the transitions of motherhood across all areas of life What is Matrescence? * The transition to and through motherhood — similar to adolescence * Not a one-time event — it is iterative and cyclical, recurring with each new stage of a child's development * Universal to all mothers, but unique in how it is experiencedby each individual * Largely undiscussed and unsupported, despite being a massive identity and life shift The Matrescence Matrix Developed by Nikki McCahon; visualized as a pie chart with 8 domains Domain What It Covers Physical Body changes through pregnancy, birth, and recovery Psychological Identity shifts, sense of self, emotional changes Social How "mom" is perceived and valued in your social circles Cultural Broader societal views and expectations of motherhood Relationships Changes to partnerships, friendships, and family dynamics Career Shifting priorities, career interruptions, work-life alignment Spiritual Legacy, values, religion, purpose Economic Financial impact of maternity leave, career pauses, childcare costs How to Use the Matrix 1. Map your changes — on the pie chart, mark how much you've shifted in each domain (outer edge = most change, center = least) 2. Identify what feels "prickly" — those areas likely signal a misalignment with your current values 3. Explore your values — acknowledge that values shift through motherhood and that's okay 4. Make decisions from that place — rather than defaulting to pre-motherhood expectations or external pressure Key Themes * Duality is valid — "I want to grow my business AND be present with my kids" — both can be true * Matrescence is cyclical — hard seasons are followed by growth; decisions made now don't have to be permanent * Shame and guilt often stem from unacknowledged changes rubbing up against outdated expectations * You can't "have it all" in every season — the matrix helps prioritize what matters right now Resources & Links * 🌐 Website: https://www.ashleybeatty.ca [https://www.ashleybeatty.ca/] * 💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashley-beatty-24095239/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashley-beatty-24095239/] * 📸 Instagram: @ashleybcoach * 🤰Matrescence Expert: https://www.nikkimccahon.com/ [https://www.nikkimccahon.com/] * 🤰Fishtank of Motherhood: https://drsophiebrock.com/thefishtankofmotherhood [https://drsophiebrock.com/thefishtankofmotherhood]   Connect With The Canadian Gap Year Association   * Find more resources at the Can Gap website https://www.cangap.ca/ [https://www.cangap.ca/] * Follow on Instagram http://www.instagram.com/cangapassociation/ [http://www.instagram.com/cangapassociation/] * Follow on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/ucangap [https://www.facebook.com/ucangap] * Follow on Twitter https://twitter.com/ucangap [https://twitter.com/ucangap/status/276178230694772736] * Follow on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCuBit8gLXEOxaBggoGmykjQ [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCuBit8gLXEOxaBggoGmykjQ]