I’ve decided to give notice at my company this week that I will be leaving at the end of the year in order to take a 3-9 month sabbatical overseas (with no expectation of my job existing when I return). I’ve got enough in savings to live comfortably overseas for 2-4 years (though I’d really rather not burn through it all). I️ love my job and my company, but I️ know this is what I need for various health, stress, and motivational reasons, and I’m confident I️ can find something good (or better) when I return. My hope is that after clearing my mind, I’ll use the remaining time to learn new skills, and I’ll return ready to be more productive than ever. Am I️ crazy?
Have faith in this decision especially when it is for your health and mind. If not in Microsoft then outside, where your new skills and refreshed mind will bring value to that Organization
Thanks. I️ would love to make the move to a company like FB / Netflix / Amazon / MS. I’m near the top of my market right now but feel below market for those companies. I️ want to maximize my potential over the long term, and it’s hard to embrace one step back as the key to two steps forward. But it feels right.
No. I did this in the past. I miss that time. It’s good while you have enough money. When the money starts to fade it becomes gradually stressful. Also, if you have market experience I think it’s even better. Go for it!
I’m confident I can quickly get a job within +20% / -10% of my current salary when I return. I️ hate to burn through savings, but I️ try to think of it as an investment in my future career. Sadly, I️ could probably get +20% now, but I think taking a few months off would help me recharge and hit the ground running when I return.
Yeah, and you can polish the skills that really matter. With the experience you have, you’ll know where to put your energy.
I️ guess if you don’t give a shit about your career, then why not?
I have done this three times and it was awesome every time. On top of that I found a new, higher paying job each time I returned. Do it.
My mind says yes. Glad to hear it confirmed by your experience.
I’ve a friend who’s done this twice as well and landed good jobs on return.
Invest in yourself and enjoy every moment.
Man, do it! If you truly feel like it will help you then there is nothing stopping you. I can only wish I can do that, but I have commitments and stuff that I don’t want to get away from. I have been in the hiring position for a while, and if you present yourself a reasonable answer on the break I will completely understand and not consider that in the hiring decision.
Great to know. I’ve been at my company for 4+ years and planned on a lot longer. I️ just really believe this is an opportunity that doesn’t come up often and I️ should take it.
Good for you, OP. Do this and do not look back.
Thanks
I worked with a customer that did this. Spent ten years in South America and blew his 401k. Worked as a business coach...came back to the US once he drained his 401k, rejoined the world of corporate IT
My 401k is modest, but I️ would not be touching that. I️ would live off my savings account (potentially picking up contract work as I️ go) and return well before I️ run out of savings unless an opportunity comes up that seems worth pursuing, such as starting my own business.
No
It feels crazy at times. But it’s hard to tell what’s just counter-cultural conditioning in a go, go, go culture vs what’s actually a smart investment in the next 20-30 years of my career.
Why not?