Long break between analyst to associate stint possible?

Third-year analyst at an EB set to receive my A2A promotion this summer. I really like the group I am in and the seniors have hinted multiple times that they see me to have the potential to stay in the group for the long run, and currently I am pretty set on doing banking long-term. The problem is I am quite burnt out right now and have some non-urgent but extremely annoying health issues that have been driving me crazy. Mental and physical health have deteriorated significantly this past few months as result.

I honestly believe a long break from work (a sabbatical for several months) is what I need to recharge. But how will seniors think if I suggest this idea? I have a feeling they won't consent to it and I may just have to quit, take the break on my own, and recruit back into the industry once I am ready again. Do you guys know of people who have done this? 

8 Comments
 

Normally speaking, you would have ~4weeks (exact amount of time depends on where you work) of paid protected vacation/sabbatical when you get promoted. In addition, a lot of firms allow you to take a sabbatical for health reasons (you might be unpaid though). I'd recommend speaking to HR/benefits and understand your firm's policy a little better. Then, speak to the seniors about it. Since you're already prepared to quit, you literally don't lose anything by asking. I'd say if you would wanna take 3-4 months off, they would likely say yes. If longer, then I'm not quite sure. 

 

I don't think I've heard of any bank allowing more than 8 weeks but surely you should speak with your seniors. If you want something substantial like 6~12 months, you prolly would have to quit but it wouldn't be hard to come back or lateral to another bank as a 3rd year analyst. Though u might have to sacrifice a year, I think it's worth it. One of my associates did just that - left his previous bank durung hjs 3rd year as analyst, took a 1-year break to be with his newborn child and help his s/o, and re-recruited for senior analyst and associate positions. He was quickly promoted to associate a year after he joined our group as A3.

 

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