Has anyone ever taken a sabbatical/gap year/break? Keep thinking I want to take a year to travel, but worried about transitioning back smoothly (and without a pay decrease).

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I took off in 2009 after only 4 years working. Best decision. I went around the whole world for a year and came back and started freelancing. Now I get paid more than I ever did and only work 6 months a year. That experience taught me to say no more and that there’s more to the world than ads. Also, everyone told me to keep my job at dng because 2009 was a recession and I’d never get hired again. They were wrong. It was te. Best time to go! I got away from all job worries. I only spent $20k in one year. DO IT!!!!!

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I took six months off at 5 years, a year at 10 years. No issues either time. Save money and maybe have a light side project or purpose while you are out.

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I don’t see why now wouldn’t be a great time to travel all over the world and then expect to come back without a pay decrease

likefunny

Ah I see - cheerfully withdrawn 😁

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I’d do it (when life is more normal). You only live once. You’ll figure it out when you get back. Maybe you’ll discover an opportunity you’d never considered before and won’t want to go back. You never know. Also, it’s easier to do it while you are young and have less responsibilities.

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You'll be fine and better for it. Keep a portfolio of your travels; document them, be inspired by them. Volunteer your time in different countries where you can. As long as you can show how you've grown and learned in this year, any good agency should recognize that.

I took a few years "off" and what no one tells you is that at some point you will get bored always being in tourist mode. Eventually your brain will want to make something or find a pattern/routine. If you find an interesting place, stay there for a month or more, really get to know it. If you're into scuba, for instance, you should be able to pick up work in a shop while getting PADI certified in Mexico or Thailand etc once all this dies down. Gives your brain a good goal, interesting story on your resume, and you'll meet great people.

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Took a year off a few years ago to travel. No issue with landing interviews, finding a job nor salary decrease. Traveling doesn’t take away from your experience. When the time is right, do it.

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I took 8 months off at 8yrs of experience to travel. Went right back to work freelancing for my old job the day I got home. Shouldn’t be any issues as long as you stay on good terms with former colleagues.

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I took off 5 months after 7 years - I came back refreshed, excited to work, and got a significant salary bump. Do it if you can. If I did it now, I would also pick up new skills that can serve you in future roles.

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How many years of work experience do you have?

Do it while you are young, free, and able to do it. Worry about transitioning Herm when you are back. You may change your direction by then or maybe the world will change in some way you can’t predict. I wouldn’t worry about it. Go where your heart wants to go.

I took a year after having 1.5 years of experience. Just find a client or two you can do cool work for remotely so you have something to show for your next gig.

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