I took a sabbatical to travel the world and find my next big idea. A year later, I'm back home with no epiphanies and a drained savings account. Was it all a waste?

People who have had career breaks and joined back the work force. Share your stories

Hello good folks of grapevine, I am very confused with my situation right now. I am currently working at a consumer tech unicorn in a strategy role but really burnt out with the working environment. I have no clarity on my roles and responsibilities which keeps changing every week. I am not learning much either. I am planning to quit without any offer in hand (notice period is 2 months, I have enough to survive 5-6 months). I am an IIT-IIM graduate (old ones). Total YOE ~ 4.5 years across strategy consulting, project management and strategy at current startup. Please suggest. Folks who have quit without any offer in hand, how did it work out for you?

I just need a little break. Want to introspect on what I want in life. Have not travelled a lot, want to do that. I have a good enough run way to sustain for 4-5 months. Do you think it's a good idea? Has anyone taken a break for a quarter or more?

Hello, its been on my mind for sometime. Im in a job which doesn’t seem to be going in any direction (gate walled, no clarity, team politics) and getting fed up over last few months. Want to quit & take a break, but considering the job scene here, it might be a sometime before I get another job. So should I leave or rot for few more months? 😭 Hows the job hunting scene right now? Any advise would be really appreciated.. 🙏

I am 26M with close to 3 years of work experience and a MBA from a tier 1 college. I make decent salary, however I am not really enjoying my job. I am also depressed from working very hard the past 5 years with graduation, Covid and job Etc. I just want to take a few months off and focus on my mental/physical health. I also want to prepare for Product roles and try out some business/freelancing ideas I have. My concern is how Career gaps are treated like a stigma in the industry. Like what was the use of working so hard and getting qualifications, if I cannot take a few months in between jobs to focus on myself. Can someone help me get some perspective?

My current job is consuming me completely. I don't get to upskill myself. Therefore, I am stuck in this vicious cycle where I want to leave my organization to work in a better environment along with skilled colleagues. However, to do this, I will have to upskill myself. Would love to hear your experience if you have been in a similar situation. How did things turn out for you eventually?

I am thinking of leaving my current job and focus on myself, getting to know myself better etc. Currently I have enough money saved for my expenses for next 6-8 months. Everyone I have asked about this say don't leave your job if you don't have another lined up, in this tech winter. I understand their view point. It aligns with what my parents think as well. Is there anyone who has had done this in the past? Do you recommend this route? Are the consequences far too severe? Does anyone have a different opinion from one stated above?

Want to discuss if sabbatical being a taboo is valid and peoples opinions of it. I will start with mine Background - 8 years in tech 3 company switches Sabbatical of 1 month, 3 month and 6 month between each break. Personal experience - quite enriching. Though there was panic and anxiety of not having a job during the period, it truly helped me take a step back, reassess my career trajectory, and mostly just Destress and re prioritise Every now and then i loose my true love for tech and product and the sabbaticals helped me to rediscover that by just reading about technology that was not outcome driven ( like for switching a job) Quite rewarding each time in terms of salary jumps also. I think i was able to make a better case for myself at a particular position just because i had more time to process stuff from last job. It also helped me make better decisions for next thing which has in general helped me shape my career better ( i think atleast) Open to anyone sharing their stories/perspectives related to sabbaticals