Minimum YOE before taking a gap year from career?

Considering taking a gap year soon. Not planning to work on projects or add to resume in any way during that year (although maybe it happens). Planning to travel the world and visit the countries I have dreamed about since childhood. I will start leetcoding and interview prep towards the end in preparation for finding a job when I am back. Job market is not great right now. I am concerned about finding a job once I get back. I am currently in Amazon but I'm okay not getting back into a faang company, but ideally would like to target a F500 company still. Asking the people of Blind for advice. What do you think is the *minimum* YOE for a SWE to have before taking a gap year, and still be able to find a decent job when coming back? TC: $200k YOE: want to leave anon for unbiased replies, can share after a few days if people want to know

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Snap snappen Apr 13

Following

Workday 69$430 Apr 13

After you get 5 years of experience you can take a break and come back into the market no problem.

Amazon outi OP Apr 13

5 years makes sense. Do you know any people who have done it?