Considering taking time off

Google
QgkG74

Go to company page Google

QgkG74
Feb 1 10 Comments

I’m considering taking ~3 months off in the next few months to focus on my health, well being, and just simply be on less Zoom calls. Considering a side project as well that’s not related to tech.

For others that have done this, how hard is it to re-enter the workforce. Is this gap easy to explain in interviews? Did you have trouble finding employment after taking time off?

Overall, I have a pretty strong resume and financially I’ll be fine for a few months.

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TOP 10 Comments
  • Indeed
    yes,senpai

    Go to company page Indeed

    yes,senpai
    I've done it 3 times:
    1) involuntary, were between jobs - 4 months
    2) voluntary - quit a toxic job at FB, consulted a few hours a week, got head hunted by Indeed, gave them a chance - got the best job (so far) with a 50% bump in comp
    3) voluntary - took a "sabbatical" at Indeed (3 months, unpaid) - got back renewed, 10xed my impact, leading 3 major projects and a team now

    Considering to take another unpaid leave right now (burnout).

    Overall, each break helped me to see my options with MUCH more clarity and added 30-50% to my total comp. I have many friends in all the different industries (marketing, eng, AI) who had same experience - 0.5-2x comp after a break, finding much better WLB, etc. Also, importantly, it has to be quite a big break. 3 months is the minimum. I did see strong correlation between the length of break and comp increase after it (caveat: sample size is non-representative of general population).

    If you can afford a break, it'll almost certainly be a great win for your long term career. Also, I recommend to avoid any work, even side projects, unless it's really fun/hobby for you.
    Feb 1 2
    • New
      enBT65

      New

      enBT65
      I don’t see the correlation. You simply could have applied for those jobs without quitting and got the same boost in comp.
      Feb 1
    • Indeed
      yes,senpai

      Go to company page Indeed

      yes,senpai
      You're not accounting for a very real cognitive impairment caused by no-break work. The OP would know what I'm talking about. You do need to pass next-level interviews to get next-level pay, and you need 100% of your brain to do that - which is not available before you take a sufficient duration break from a high cognitive demand/stress job you currently sustain.
      Feb 1
  • New
    enBT65

    New

    enBT65
    It’s not hard to re-enter the workforce if you are in software, product, design, data, sales, customer success or HR. I can’t speak to another departments.
    Feb 1 2
    • Google
      QgkG74

      Go to company page Google

      QgkG74
      OP
      Marketing, but I’m going to assume it’s similar to the other fields
      Feb 1
    • New
      enBT65

      New

      enBT65
      Marketing should be good as well if you’re in a sub niche like performance, email, retention, social, paid, etc. I feel as though generalists will have a harder time.
      Feb 1
  • Google
    QgkG74

    Go to company page Google

    QgkG74
    OP
    This is super helpful. Thank you. I’ve thought about exploring short term disability but not sure if this is an option since it’s “burnout”
    Feb 1 1
  • Intuit
    JGxv13

    Go to company page Intuit

    JGxv13
    I think it’s worth it. With Google on your resume, I imagine you won’t have a hard time getting a new role. What’s the marketing/ads culture like at Google?
    Feb 9 0
  • Snap
    Tsunami 🌊

    Go to company page Snap

    Tsunami 🌊
    Are you going for a sabbatical at google? Three months is not a large gap. Six months plus is where I would draw the line.
    Feb 1 0