6 Month Vacation?
Hello Monkeys. Recently separated from my employer. Nothing to do directly with COVID or the economy. Decision was mostly mutual and amicable, except for exact timing. Negotiated a severance package which gives me about 65% of my net base pay for about 6 months plus modest success fees for pending deals that ultimately close. Full medical insurance as well. All in all, I can live comfortably on my guaranteed severance pay. Can't say too much about the situation due to an NDA.
Before finding another job, what can a young single guy in US do right now to enjoy some downtime? Or am I better off finding another job ASAP (not too concerned as recruiters are constantly reaching out)?
Obviously, under normal circumstances, I would travel, party a litle, try to meet people, dine at new restaurants, etc. but those are off-limits for the foreseeable future. I do get bored/depressed easily, but ironically I was starting to feel a little burned out from working as well. I can only exercise so much in a day/week.
Suggestions?
What do you enjoy doing? If I were in your shoes I would take ~4-6 weeks off (while keeping your contacts “warm” and maybe interviewing) and go somewhere that you’ve been wanting to live for a bit. Some international destinations would be hard, but do you enjoy hiking? Beaches? Skiing?
I’ve had friends rent homes for a month (Aspen, Jackson hole, Utah near Zion and other national parks, southern CA, in the Caribbean or Hawaii) and enjoy life for a bit. While you won’t be going to bars (at least not the same way) or necessarily dining out, outdoor activities are definitely happening (and in warm locations there is a ton of outdoor drinking and dining).
I would use that reset while still keeping the job search going and then probably start again FT in 2 months. For me that would be enough time to reset before I start missing work (and would want to be making money again).
If I were you I would definitely go and ride out the rest of winter and early spring in South Florida while it is probably the best time of the year to be there, maybe pick up a hobby like golf or tennis or something aquatic. Spend a good 2 months or so just doing things you enjoy somewhere with nice weather, working out, reading, meeting new people etc. Another pro about south Florida is that its relatively easy to find nice furnished apartments for leases that last like 3mo and include all utilities including cable, internet, etc.
While doing that I would keep the resume polished and make phone calls and talk to folks across all industries you would potentially consider. With 3-6 months on your hands you can afford to be patient and find the right gig, whereas other folks simply cannot.
Good luck and enjoy the time, it may be the last time like this you have for some while.
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