Quitting and taking a break

Sep 19, 2021 29 Comments

I am thinking of taking a break from my job. Have been burnt out to an extent that I am starting to get forgetful about day to day random things even at home, going to work feels like a drag, stressed to a very high level, been doing therapy and nothing much is improving, I think I getting depressed as well ( no official diagnosis but have sleepless nights and random outbursts). I am looking to get some advise from someone who has done this or know someone who has.

1. Will taking a break for over 8-10 months (few months of recharge/travel and then LC grind) hurt my chances of getting interview calls? I get hit by Amazon, FB, Google recruiters a lot (more Amazon) currently?

2. Can I reach out to these recruiters and let them know that I am interested however I will only interview after 6 months and quit during this time?

3. I am on a path to Senior if I decide to stay back, I think I will get to Senior by next annual connect, however it’s hard to stay back. So, if I get to interviewing eventually, should I expect to get low balled massively in terms of level and comp. What are some strategies I can adopt before I quit. e.g. schedule Amazon L6 interview now for let’s say March/April rather than reaching out to recruiter 6 months later and only being to get interviews for an L5.

4. Will FAANG recruiters still reach out if I honestly update my LI after I quit?

5. Any other tips/suggestions.

I don’t want to ask for sabbatical, FMLA or leave without pay as I did something similar with the same team sometime back and I feel like I have exhausted my option. If I go on a 1-2 month long leave, it hurt my chances for promo and in my own headspace I will feel like the clock is ticking to prep and get a new job, while I am away. I just want to take a full break for a few months.

#burnout #depression #mentalhealth

comments

Want to comment? LOG IN or SIGN UP
TOP 29 Comments
  • Google
    growHow

    Go to company page Google

    growHow
    You will do wayy better after relaxing, don't think about interviewing right away
    Sep 19, 2021 3
    • Google
      hoeor

      Go to company page Google

      hoeor
      Firstly most recruiters wouldn't care, one good name on resume means you're solid enough. Secondly, you'd be in a better shape and even if you have to haggle for interviews, getting past them will be easier
      Sep 19, 2021
    • New
      paramveer

      New

      PRE
      Amazon
      paramveer
      Thank you, it has given me some confidence. I had already quit few weeks back to have peace in my mind which was missing from long time due to work. The reason I quit was also to be in a better headspace before I interview and also to crack them.
      Sep 20, 2021
  • Amazon
    petr1

    Go to company page Amazon

    petr1
    I took a break before and it was the best decision ever
    Sep 19, 2021 2
    • New
      paramveer

      New

      PRE
      Amazon
      paramveer
      Break for how long? How was your experience interviewing after the break? Did you schedule the interviews before quitting?
      Sep 19, 2021
    • Amazon
      petr1

      Go to company page Amazon

      petr1
      One year off. Didn't have anything lined up, so was just chilling, traveling and enjoying my life. When I was looking for work after almost no one asked about why I had a break and those who did loved my story. I'm in Europe though, so maybe people are used to idea of sabbatical here
      Sep 20, 2021
  • PwC
    flushed 🏌🏼‍♂️

    Go to company page PwC

    flushed 🏌🏼‍♂️
    I think you should focus on yourself first and truly take a break, before adding more stress in worrying about the coming back plan. That will defeat the purpose of you disconnecting altogether imo. If you keep in contact with your coworkers (the ones you like), or at least let them know your plan, you can always reach out to them when you’re ready to come back and hope to get a referral or someone on your side.

    I can’t speak for all companies, but FB recruiters are really good at this. I was contacted by two recruiters and kindly let them both know to reach back out in 6 months and they did. I think they actually have a button in their initial contact email with a “contact me again in … months”.

    Overall, focus on your mental health before worrying more about future work. You’ll be able to come back stronger.
    Sep 19, 2021 0
  • Do it. You'll be fine. I did it before AND I switched careers. Best part is when you're ready you're 100% focused on finding the best job possible.
    Sep 19, 2021 1
  • Amazon
    dQeQ51

    Go to company page Amazon

    dQeQ51
    Yes, take that break. I've done it and it was worth it. In my experience recruiters and interviewers don't care much whether you're still employed or on a break.

    When a recruiter from an interesting company contacts you, just say it's not a good time now but you're planning on a change in x months. Once you're ready to interview, just reach out to them and get the ball rolling :)
    Sep 19, 2021 1
    • New
      paramveer

      New

      PRE
      Amazon
      paramveer
      Did no recruiter ask you much about the break? I am currently on a break since a month, so wanted to understand.
      Sep 19, 2021