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V O L . X X X I I N O. I I JA N UA R Y 2 6 , 2 0 2 6 16 W E A LT H M A N A G E M E N T / R E T I R E M E N T F O C U S "It's a great book for somebody in a mid-career spot thinking about how to show up in the world," Mueller says. He spent the last two months of his 12 months off enjoying summer in Maine before returning to work. While the company has always infor- mally supported sabbaticals, they are now part of its HR policy even at the risk of someone not returning. "at's really healthy — we want people to be in the right seat," Mueller says. "And if they discover they're not in the right seat, we want to help them be where they should be." 'Making a difference' In Franklin County, Kate Webber Punderson found a new calling after leaving her job as head of school at Carrabassett Valley Academy, a combi- nation college-prep school and ski and snowboard academy for grades 7-12. Setting out to find a new job with purpose and a more flexible schedule, she took six months off to decom- press, including a summer canoe- ing and mountain biking with her husband in the U.S. and Canadian Rockies. At home, she sorted through a 20-year paperwork backlog. After working with a career coach to plot her next move, as well as a resume coach and LinkedIn coach to fine-tune her profile, she landed a remote role with the National Interscholastic Cycling Association. "I was looking for an opportunity where I could make a difference but have a little more life-work balance so I could focus on my health and well- being and be able to do the things I like to do for a long time," she says. As vice president for development, her responsibilities include overseeing marketing, communications and fun- draising partnerships for a nonprofit that empowers youth through sport. She started the job in July 2024, 11 months after leaving her previous position. She's found that working on West Coast time frees up morn- ings for exercise. She also stays active by skiing and walking Lizzie, a "cute little yellow mix" of a pooch adopted from a shelter. Focused on longevity For Andrea Cianchette Maker, there wasn't much rest in the 17 months between her departure from Pierce Atwood and new role as president of FocusMaine, a private sector-led » C O N T I N U E D F RO M P R E V I O U S PA G E Your Wealth Deserves a Trusted Advisor Who Plans with You. Financial decisions can be complex. Your support shouldn't be. We bring together comprehensive insurance protection and strategic financial guidance to create a unified approach to your financial life. As your trusted advisor, we help you safeguard today's success and build tomorrow's security. A Division of Securities and investment advisory services offered through qualified registered representatives of MML Investors Services, LLC. Member SIPC. Neither Barresi Financial nor United Insurance are a subsidiary or affiliate of MML Investors Services, LLC, or its affiliated companies. OSJ: 1 Marina Park Drive, 16th Floor Boston MA 02210. 617-585-4500. CRN202901-10208017 BarresiFinancial.com Kate Webber Punderson, a former boarding-school administrator, with her dog, Lizzie. P H O T O / C O U R T E S Y O F K AT E W E B B E R P U N D E R S O N

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