Thinking of leaving consulting and taking some time to figure out what to do next. I’ve got enough financial cushion to not have to rush. How would you make the most of your time off? I don’t want to waste what should be a good experience, if I plan it well. Spending time with family and improving my health are a given.

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I did this. It was wonderful. Looked around and realized the houses were paid off, the college funds were full, I was at early-window vesting, and we had plenty in the bank. It just wasn’t worth the day-to-day grind of my former firm. I am so glad I did it.
I spent lots of time with family, traveling to spend quality time with extended family, and catching up on all those things I had put off for years. I used to love the outdoors, but I hadn’t fished or hunted in over decade, so I did both. We spent a ton of time at our second home - a mix of fixing things up to turn it into our retirement home, and just enjoying being there. I helped start up a new non-profit and that kept me mentally engaged for several months. For me, it was a perfect situation.

From a “work” perspective, I did exactly what Principal 1 said. Fully disengaged for a couple of months, and then just started catching up with folks that I liked - old work colleagues, clients, etc. No pressure, no agenda - just catch ups. Along the way, opportunities started popping up and headhunters heard I might be in the market, and next thing you know I had several conversations going on. The best part was that I didn’t NEED any of the jobs, so it took on a whole different tone for me, and I was able to actually enjoy the process. Ultimately, I ended up at a smaller boutique firm doing the kind of work that I really enjoy, with a super-solid team behind me.

I don’t know what your family situation is, but if it wasn’t for the health insurance issue, I would have probably stayed early-retired. COBRA was easy, but after 18 months it runs out in my state. The exchanges are OK, but nothing great and still pretty expensive. Honestly, that’s the only thing that got me thinking about getting back into the workforce again.

TL/DR - if you can afford it, take the time and enjoy life. Your family friends, health and mental well being will all be 100% better for it.

likeupliftingsmarthelpful

Bridging to Medicare post-ACA is much cheaper and easier than it was pre-ACA. Around $25K/yr total for you and your spouse assuming you're in your 50s. Really should not be a major consideration for someone in our financial circumstances deciding whether to retire mid/late 50s vs 65 when Medicare eligible.

Take a full months to actually log off anything business related, then slowly start reconnecting with your network and expand it. Talk to recruiters, have lunches with old friends and ex clients etc.
I’ve found that the more you talk to people without a specific agenda in mind, the more open conversations you have and opportunities come along.

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I’m nearing the end of my one year sabbatical. It’s been great to relax, spend time with family, and de-stress while getting physically healthy. I took my spouse and young kids on countless vacations, spent a month traveling with my elderly father, and reconnected with friends.

I posted before that I had a minor health scare that I initially thought was major. Decided that my firm wasn’t worth my life and said good bye since they wouldn’t give me a year off.

Funny thing is that now that I’m kind of looking for my next role again, I’m getting pings from peers that are looking for me to join their firm.

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See e

I am planning to do the same. It’s scary to be honest to walk away from a high income job and take a long break, first time of my 25 year career. I am afraid to never be able to get back in the game and lose everything I worked for. My current firm has a very abusive culture, with no real partner matters, with HR enabling bad leaders. The OP gave me hope - now that I know I am not the only one crazy here. 😁

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I don’t know if I will get back into the game. I’m hoping I will find a different game that I like at least as much. I’m not ready to retire, but I want to do something else while I still have the energy to perform.

I did this some time ago and I used it to talk with different people I never had time to before, travelled to conferences I typically could go to and just allowed myself to absorb different ideas and information that sparked a few things I could focus on. One of the best times in my life.

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I’d love to travel to a non traditional destination, and truly understand the culture to improve my own perceptions and experiences

likeuplifting

This is awesome - I am heading on a 8-9 month LOA, love the advice….keep it coming.

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City, firm size and practice area too.

80k. Chicago. Small (7 attorneys) insurance defense firm.

likesmart

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Need a suggestion : 
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