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No it's not. Absolutely okay if you can afford it. Your job is short termed and temporary, your mental health is paramount and long-term.
Traveling while life changing, likely won’t due anything to solve your mental state - likely will actually make it worse. Maybe seek some help and travel at the same time? Also completely depends on what you’re going through .. if your burnt out, anxious, depressed I doubt extended travel will fix these issues. May alleviate it, but you’ll eventually return and have to deal with it
OP i have/had the same thoughts. I felt like i wanted to take a pause and get refreshed but instead kept rolling into another new role and not being able to perform my best. In fact my company is going through reorg and a package was an option that I seriously thought about. But then I was reminded by friends that I would start to stress about not having a job or the process of finding one (which I'm not entirely sure would happen but agree this would be v stressful for me). I could work through improving my mental health while still having a job- and that would be the best option. I'm 90 pct sure now this is the way. Wish you best of luck
I have also lost all passion for consulting. I used to hate the work, but at least cared deeply for my clients - that care pushed me to become incredibly focused, resourceful and dedicated. Now I just feel incredibly meh most days and find it hard to get out of bed on workdays
Recommend taking a sabbatical if your firm offers it, and utilize that to travel and take some time off
Not crazy at all, enjoy your life!
I have a friend who did this. His career never recovered. He’s back in consulting, but working at one of those shops where you’re all contractors. He hasn’t been able to get hired by any of the known firms, salary has stagnated, in his early 40’s but can’t afford a house (and would like to have one). On the plus side, he met his wife abroad, but he’s regretted stepping away.
Huge! It’s tough though. She doesn’t have a career and has been learning English since they married and she immigrated here (she’s Chinese), so he’s also been the sole earner which is a lot of pressure. She was working at a Chinese restaurant for a bit but left because it was a toxic environment. They’re very happy, but he has admitted to my husband (they used to work together) that he wonders where his career would be if he hadn’t stepped away like he did or for as long as he did.
I took a year off from Google and it was the best thing for me. Before I quit, I took medical leaves of absence twice due to depression and anxiety (all stemming from the work environment and my perfectionism about work), and also took 3 months personal leave to try and get things under control. I did, but I just still was burned out. I am so so glad I took the year off and could afford it (40 y.o., no kids). After 1 year off, I applied and am back at Google as a contractor now instead of a full time employee. Applying again was definitely stressful, because of not getting job offers for a bit. But I could not have stayed working without that year off. Now I only work 30 hours because I don’t want to burn out again. I’m not sure if I’ll ever want to do full time again because of the stress. Obviously I took a year off and loved it - i paid for COBRA ($800) every month so I could keep getting my meds and seeing my therapist weekly. During my time off, I traveled to Puerto Rico, went on a cruise with a friend, I travelled around and spent time with family, I moved to a cheaper area, I was able to deal with some prior trauma that I’d previously not been able to do, I met my partner, and I explored opening my own business. In the end, I decided to go back to my regular job skill set because it’s still my easiest way to make money. As others above who have taken time off, I was able to get very clear about how much money I really need and how to spend my time and life. You sound like you might be experiencing some depression, and I recommend talking to a therapist to have someone there for you while you journey around and navigate what you want. In the top 10 regrets of life, one is “spending too much time at work”. The people here saying NOT to take time off have not done it, and are telling you what other people told them (we all project our own truths and fears). I def say go for it.
Appreciate this perspective!
Subject Expert
I did it back during the last recession. Was worth it. Won’t be able to do this later and time machines and fountains of youth don’t exist.
30M. I did this because I was unhappy with my job, going through a brutal breakup after being dumped, and needed time to reflect on life. However, I only went for a month, but it felt much longer.
Although I was stress free for an entire month, I’m back now and all the problems and feelings I had are back again. I was feeling better while traveling, but it unfortunately didn’t fix anything. Possibly made it worse now because I have the travel bug and I don’t feel like working anymore.
Send it
It's a deviation and not resolution of your problems
I did it for a year. I recommend moving to a specific country, take some language classes, volunteer at a nonprofit, and use your cash to do some regional trips each month. That way you really get to know a specific culture and make some friends. If you’re into music or sports, find a local choir or sports league to join. You can always return to consulting after!
About 30, single, and to an Arabic speaking country
Lesson from a 51 year old…
Do
It
Now!
You have the time and freedom to do it now.
I regret it not taking that opportunity when I did! I now look back and see how resilient I am and how quickly I am able to shift, adapt and even reinvent myself.
Do
It
Now!
The amazing things that you will learn traveling through world will only add to your professional attributes, the incredible international network tou will collect and the adventures you will have that will differentiate you!
Tanya, still resilient at age 51!
As D1 said, it could help or could make it worse depending on root problem.
Also, you could split the difference. This month I'll be taking some work calls with clients in between swimming with sharks, snorkeling, open water ocean swimming, drinking cold ones on the beach etc.
I travelled a lot while working (remote) and have a few thoughts:
1. You should really look inward to your personality and make sure that would actually help. If you don’t have someone coming with you, imo most personality types could get even more depressed being in those situations alone (I would struggle)
2. One year is a long time, two years is VERY long. I’d start by going somewhere for a month and see what you think. Don’t commit to that long of a period. I also think 2 years you get into the range of an employer being like “what’s going on here.”
It can be a life changing experience, but that’s a big commitment and could backfire. I’d play it safer.
Thanks everyone for the advice! I’m likely not young enough to escape for a year or 2 without the LT negative consequences outweighing the temporary peace.
Mentor
Hi OP,
I really support your original post, and feel the weight of the feedback is very much in support of you taking extending time.
I don’t think you should backslide into de-prioritizing yourself here. It really sounds like you need more than say a 2 week vacation and are in the financial position to do so.
Supporting you and sending good vibes your way.
Mentor
First and foremost- yes I would take extended time off in your shoes.
I’d perhaps see if your current firm would be willing to do a six month sabbatical first though. These often come with a percentage of pay and would allow you to reassess after a window of time. Worse case scenario you can always quit if they aren’t willing to do it.
Final thought: I’d think of a 3-6 month break to start versus 1-2 years. You can always add more time away if you think you need it.
If you’re in your 20’s then take 6months to year. But I would say no do not do it if your over 30. I started my career very late and I regret to this day not getting my shit together when I was younger.
Don't need to commit to a year or two right off the hop
I took a year off, just do it
You answered your own question, dear.
You have the money. You have the time. You have no obligations.
Go be free. You can always keep your skills sharp and/ or update them when you return. You are not ever required to stay on the hamster wheel when you have the means to free yourself. Just make therapy a part of that to fully maximize your outcomes. ❤️
Fellow EM here and in the same boat. Fuck it we ball.