Considering leaving asset allocator for 6 months travelling
I graduated from university in May 2024 and started working at a Pension and Endowment fund right away. I have been working in Investment Operations for 17 months and and planning to move in with my partner quite soon (sometime between January and March 2026). I told her before we move in and take on a lease, I want to travel. She is on board and her work allows for that lifestyle.
I want some advice because I am getting cold feet. I want to quit my job and travel (I have the savings). I don't want to wait because that would mean taking on a lease, increasing my expenses and possibly taking on another role before I get to travel for about 6 months. I did not travel after highschool, I worked every summer to fund my education, and I've been working full-time since. Yes, I've gone on vacations and enjoyed short trips, but I feel like I will be missing out on that extended time off that I desired after graduating. If anyone could please offer some perspective and advice regarding how they felt if they did or did not travel when they were younger before they started "real life" (PS I just turned 26)
Based on the most helpful WSO content, here's what you need to consider:
Timing and Career Impact: Taking six months off to travel at this stage in your career is not necessarily a dealbreaker. Many professionals have shared that short career breaks (3-6 months) are often viewed positively, especially if you use the time meaningfully. For example, learning new skills, exploring cultures, or pursuing personal growth can make for a compelling story during interviews. However, longer breaks (beyond a year) might raise red flags for some employers.
Financial Position: You mentioned having savings, which is a significant advantage. As highlighted in WSO threads, being financially prepared for a break ensures you can enjoy the experience without stress. Additionally, it positions you better for re-entry into the workforce without the pressure of immediate income needs.
Resume Gap: While some hiring managers might question a gap, others may admire the courage to take time off for personal growth. To mitigate concerns, be prepared to articulate how the experience enriched you and how it aligns with your long-term goals. For example, you could frame it as a time to recharge, gain global perspectives, or develop soft skills like adaptability and problem-solving.
Personal Fulfillment: Many WSO users emphasize that life is short, and if you feel a strong desire to travel, it’s worth pursuing. Several professionals regret not taking time off when they had the chance, as responsibilities tend to increase with age (e.g., leases, family, career commitments). As one user put it, "There’s no such thing as wasted time unless you decide it is."
Alternative Options: If quitting outright feels daunting, consider negotiating a sabbatical with your current employer. Some firms are open to this, especially if you’ve been a strong performer. Alternatively, you could explore remote or flexible work opportunities that allow you to travel while maintaining an income.
Relationship Considerations: It’s great that your partner is supportive and has a flexible work lifestyle. Traveling together can strengthen your bond and create shared memories before settling into a more structured life.
Ultimately, the decision comes down to your priorities. If traveling now aligns with your values and goals, and you’ve planned financially, it’s a valid choice. Just ensure you’re prepared to explain the gap and re-enter the workforce with confidence. Good luck!
Sources: https://www.wallstreetoasis.com/forum/job-search/oh-how-i-judge-your-cv?customgpt=1, Quitting IB in 2023 - Burnout, Getting job after 2-3 years unemployed, Should I take a gap year before as an IBD analyst at MS?, Why Would Anyone Go Into Consulting?
I come from a different financial background from you OP, so take this with a grain of salt, but it will only get harder from here on out to take extended trips/vacations UNLESS you get a job in tech that has flexible/unlimited PTO, but that industry is so hard to recruit for and maintain job security in since they’re so prone to layoffs. I do have some friends though that have managed to survive each layoff wave, and they always have free time and are traveling to Asia, backpacking in South America, etc every other month it feels like.
But if you plan on having a family/settling down in the future, it will be nearly impossible to have another opportunity like this as you get older. I’m honestly planning to do the same thing once my clawback window ends, but not even to travel, just to sleep and rot in bed bc my current job has made me depressed and hate life.
I have a safety net though, so it’s easy for me to say that. It seems like you have a bit of a safety net too, but maybe doing some preliminary networking/recruiting to at least be in the talks to have your next job lined up would help alleviate some of the stress from quitting? Right now, I’ve been putting out feelers to my friends at tech companies to see if they can get me an in once I’m ready to switch.
I’ve been applying to jobs in Toronto to get something lined up for when I’m done travelling. So yes, I’ve been doing some recruiting.
So I guess you’re also saying that I should take this opportunity to travel because it’s just gonna be harder later in life ? Fair enough.
Yes, precisely that. You will never be healthier and less burdened than you are now.
Get a job lined up first, then travel in the gap period.
This.
I’ve been applying and interviewing, all jobs so far are not providing more than 1 week to a month time off between roles. I tried to do this but doesn’t seem viable atm. Also i haven’t turned down these roles just for that reason.
I can understand your point of view, six months may seem like a long time, but in the big picture, it's nothing. I would advise you to travel if you have the funds and a strategy. Although you might regret not doing it sooner, you won't regret the experience.
Thank you
Are you in an allocator role? I know the pay at first might not seem great but whats your reason for wanting to leave the E&P field?
It is not about the money. I work at a small firm in Western Canada and am recruiting for other cities anyways. I’m not looking to leave the industry, just want time off while I’m young before I commit another X years of my life to the corporate lifestyle. My own boss said leave this city if you want better opportunities.
You're only young once, I am so glad I traveled for multiple months between jobs in my 20s and early 30s. Things will be fine, nobody gets out of this game alive anyways. As long as you aren't doing irreperable harm to your career which you aren't, go for it.
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