After 5 and a bit years working across different roles including TAS, M&A, etc. I've finally been given the opportunity to take a bit of a break. A decent payout with runway for at least 1 year (and savings on top that extend that to 5+). Currently feel crippled by the opportunity and different paths available but I'm seeking wisdom from those who've either trodden this path before, or can speak from experience having taken career breaks in the past.
My friends and family keep telling me to take time off, travel, etc. and I've spent the last couple of months doing just that. I already feel refreshed and ready for a new challenge. One problem is the variety of avenues I'm looking at pursuing, from Tech Sales to LMM PE to CoS at a start-up. I recognise I have skills and experience that translate to each path but struggling to hammer down how to plan the next 6, 12+ months and whether there are more fruitful ways I could be using my time.
Any wisdom truly appreciated.
n.b. Long time contributor under another account but created this to preserve a bit of anonymity.
Based on the most helpful WSO content, here are some insights and advice for navigating your career break and planning your next steps:
Self-Reflection and Exploration:
Networking and Reconnecting:
Setting Goals and Planning:
Consider Further Education or Certifications:
Stay Flexible and Open-Minded:
By following these steps, you can make the most of your career break and set yourself up for success in your next venture. Good luck!
Sources: Getting job after 2-3 years unemployed, Overwhelmed here, words of wisdom would help, Burnt out analyst, not sure what to do, https://www.wallstreetoasis.com/forum/investment-banking/quitting-ib-now-what?customgpt=1, Want to quit, but have no clue what else to do. Anyone have a similar experience?
Pick a path and start studying / applying
Remember when you were a kid and people told you to chase your passions and do what excites you, and then as you grew up and started working long hours behind a computer screen, using fake ass language to respond to pointless emails and contribute in conference calls, you realized how much bullshit it was?
You are now one of the rare people for whom that advice is not bullshit. You say you are refreshed now - good. Just make sure that whatever you jump into gets you excited in the morning. Make sure that whatever you choose, you would do if you didn’t get a paycheck for three years. Make sure you don’t blow the freedom your hard work has given you and jump right back in to the bullshit.
You hold the cards now. Play accordingly.
Thank you for the kind response - spending some time inventorying and assessing what I want to want. The hard part is understanding what desires are true to you vs being conditioned to want
You shouldn’t feel crippled, you should feeel liberated.
Liberation is the primary feeling for sure but the recognition this time will go and at some point cash will need to start pouring again is semi daunting. Trying to balance enjoying this time with using it wisely and setting myself up for then future. Any further elaborative wisdom from Isiah?
Hic omnis quod eum. Rem beatae laboriosam quasi rem.
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