Can I afford to and should I take time off?

Question

Can I afford to take a few months off from work? I have been working in the ad industry for 14 years, have no debts, have some money in the bank saved for a rainy day. I am single so no commitment issues!
Would taking a break benefit me? Am I over reacting? Or should I keep going? Has anyone taken a break from an industry and come back better?

Answer 1

If you can really afford it do it. It will give you time to gain a different perspective. You might even decide to try a different area, that would appreciate your current expertise.

Answer 2

The answer depends on your ability to come back to the game, and if you actually want to return to it.

If you have at least 6 months (preferably 1 year) of expenses saved up, by all means consider taking the time off. This budgets for the possibility that you either do not want to or cannot return to your previous employment, and gives you living expenses for your sabbatical and the immediate time after until you start earning again.

Taking time off often refreshes the spirit as well as the body. I have taken a month off before, and the time to "decompress" was well worth it. Consider not only vacation and travel, but possibly some public service component for a portion (not all) of the time away.

Answer 3

Maybe take a leave of absence, then your job will be there when you decide to come back. Or you could just take your vacation time, which would mean a shorter break.

Answer 4

well, some places and depending on your status with your company take a month break to recharge.... It is not unheard of but if your employer lets you do it take the time off for your sabbatical...

Answer 5

Sounds like you could afford to, so go for it