Letting Go of Productivity Guilt During a Creative Sabbatical

What happens when a solo business owner hits the wall—and actually stops? In this candid conversation, Becky Mollenkamp talks with copywriter and branding expert Paige Worthy about her two-month sabbatical, why she took it, and what she learned about labor, self-worth, and the sneaky grip of capitalist productivity culture.

Paige opens up about the emotional toll of juggling clients, living in a world on fire, and the myth that stepping away is a luxury or a failure. From the privilege that made her time off possible to the inner voices that almost stopped her, she shares a raw and honest look at what real rest looks like (hint: it's not always pretty or peaceful).

Whether you’re a burned-out entrepreneur, a therapist who needs their own therapist, or someone dreaming of hitting pause but unsure how to give yourself permission, this episode is your invitation to imagine something different.

Paige Worthy (she/her) is a writer, editor, and brand messaging strategist for progressive entrepreneurs. Known for her spicy takes, thoughtful wordcraft, and zero tolerance for misogynist bullshit, Paige shows up in business and life as a truth-teller and cat-loving rage queen. She’s currently on sabbatical—joyfully making pottery, resisting capitalist productivity, and embracing rest as rebellion.

 🌐 paigeworthy.com

Discussed in this episode:

• Why Paige took a two-month sabbatical—and what finally pushed her to it
• The privilege and emotional labor baked into taking time off
• Capitalist conditioning and the pressure to make rest "productive"
• How it felt to step away from multiple clients—and why she didn’t lose them
• The myth of constant urgency in client work
• Learning to treat work as part of life—not the center of it
• Reentering work with clarity and choosing a “hell yes” client
• Letting go of hustle culture, scarcity thinking, and shame
• What labor really means in a system that doesn’t support being human
• The value of reclaiming time, even if it’s just a weekend alone

Resource mentioned:

• Burnout coach Nicole Havelka

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