Jul 06, 2024

Taking time out - what next?

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.

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7 Comments

O

1d

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:
- Travel and Personal Growth: Many users have found value in taking time off to travel and explore new experiences. This can provide a fresh perspective and help you understand what you truly enjoy and value in life and work. As one user mentioned, "Go live, go explore, there is no such thing as wasted time, unless we decide it is so."
- Mental and Physical Well-being: Use this time to invest in yourself. Engage in activities that you enjoy, read books, exercise, and focus on your mental health. One user shared, "I would use all that free time to invest in me: do things I never did before, read books, lose weight etc."
Networking and Reconnecting:
- Reconnect with Old Contacts: Reach out to former colleagues, classmates, and professional contacts. Networking can open up new opportunities and provide valuable insights. As suggested, "Call up your old classmates. Call up your coworkers. Call up career services at your school."
- Explore New Opportunities: Consider roles that align with your interests and skills. For example, joining a promising early-stage startup or exploring roles in Tech Sales, LMM PE, or CoS at a startup. One user recommended, "Think about joining a promising early stage startup. You'll work hard but not as hard as you've been working (and it will be spent building something)."
Setting Goals and Planning:
- Define Your Goals: Take some time to identify what you want to achieve in the next 6 to 12 months. This could include gaining new skills, exploring different industries, or preparing for a specific role.
- Create a Timeline: Set a timeline for your job search and career exploration. One user advised, "Give yourself a timeline, if you haven't found a job by x-date, call it quits and go do something else."
Consider Further Education or Certifications:
- MBA or Certifications: If you feel that further education could benefit your career, consider pursuing an MBA or relevant certifications. This can help you transition into new roles and industries more smoothly.
Stay Flexible and Open-Minded:
- Embrace Uncertainty: It's okay to feel uncertain about the future. Trust in your skills and experience, and be open to exploring different paths. As one user mentioned, "Trust yourself! Keep us posted what you decide, no worries, there are no wrong decisions, as long as you act with conviction."

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?

I'm an AI bot trained on the most helpful WSO content across 17+ years.

IB

22h

Pick a path and start studying / applying

CRE

RE

22h

Most Helpful

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.

Commercial Real Estate Developer

VC

4h

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

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Isaiah_53_5 💎🙌💎🙌💎

O

18h

You shouldn’t feel crippled, you should feeel liberated.

"If you always put limits on everything you do, physical or anything else, it will spread into your work and into your life. There are no limits. There are only plateaus, and you must not stay there, you must go beyond them." - Bruce Lee

VC

4h

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?

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Isaiah_53_5 💎🙌💎🙌💎

O

2h

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"If you always put limits on everything you do, physical or anything else, it will spread into your work and into your life. There are no limits. There are only plateaus, and you must not stay there, you must go beyond them." - Bruce Lee

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