Deferring start date - poorly reflected?

As a recent graduate who has just completed a master's degree in the UK, I've been offered a full-time position at a mid-market private equity fund starting this November. While it seems like the firm is eager for me to join soon, I'm contemplating the idea of taking a 3 to 6-month break, possibly sometime betwern January and May.

I'm concerned about whether this decision might negatively impact my offer and potentially lead to it being withdrawn.

How will this reflect on me? Is this too risky of a choice?

12 Comments
 
Most Helpful

Definitely do not do this. People in the business world view school as essentially time off, it's not like you're an MD asking for a break from decades of working... trying to take that long of a deferral is ridiculous and would absolutely put your offer in jeopardy.

If it helps, you can take this time down the road as a career gap. But you really just need to get started now. You have 2 months before you start which is plenty of time to travel or have fun.

 

That's extremely helpful. thanks for the advice.

To provide additional background, the recruitment post mentioned a starting date in March, which means I'd be commencing my role much earlier than I initially expected if I start in November. Is it still unreasonable to inquire about starting a bit later?

 

This is terrible advice. As others and OP have said, there is no harm in asking. 

OP is not demanding that the fund accept his delay, he is simply asking. Even though he is coming from uni, OP never stated that he had no prior work experience. What if he has 2-3+ years prior to starting his Masters? And even if not, what is the harm in trying to take a breather before starting a stressful job? 

I swear to God people on this site always upvote the most spineless advice. If you cant ask for time off before you start a job surely you wont have the balls when youre stretched thin across 2-3 live deals? Keep up this mentality and you wont ever have time to yourself, and you will burn out. 

 

asked the team and the HR about starting in April - Both said no problem at all!

 

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