I see a lot of burnout posts from PMs. Anyone taken or considered a career break instead of a pivot? How did it work out or what stopped you from taking one?

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I took a 3 year break to pursue some entrepreneurial goals. It was very fun and refreshing, however it was unpredictable and more stress. I returned with a different mindset and am very happy.

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Taking a break is a good idea.
But I feel it has to be in the same direction.

Others rely on my financial support, too much so to take a break or risk a steep cut.

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Doing that right now. I went on FMLA last year and it has taken me 4 months to feel normal. I went back to work and resigned. Taking another 3 months before I get back into the workforce as I am still recovering. I am now able to do focused tasks but 4 months ago I could barely focus for 5-10 minutes and then I'd be exhausted for the rest of the day.

What's been fantastic is that during my FMLA and even now as I just started my career break, I am meeting many people who have taken careers breaks with nothing lined up and they have all without exception said that taking breaks has worked out really well for them.

I took a 6 month break and don’t regret it. Was totally burnt out and unhappy. Back to work at a different job and glad I took the break.

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