I’ve been having a bunch of conversations with Glue People about how and whether to take time off between jobs. When I say take time off, I mean leaving a job without the next one lined up AND taking time to reset before starting the search for your next role. Ideally, a few months – sometimes more, sometimes less.I’ve done this between every job since Facebook, and I’ve come to see it as a powerful tool to make a healthy choice for your next job, to start that job rested and ready to perform, and to strengthen your identity outside of work.
So much of this resonates with my experience this year taking time off between roles for the first time ever. Thanks for writing this piece! I have shared it with several people who will benefit. One thing I would add is that to successfully take time I also thought about what I get out of my job that I might miss while I wasn't working, and make sure to get that expression somewhere else so that I wouldn't feel the urge to cut short my time off. I think it fits with how to choose the personal goals you recommend. For me, the biggest risk activity that I would miss was deep dive analysis and planning, especially in partnership with other people. I planned a complicated family trip that involved a lot of research, and that met the need for my first few months off.
I really enjoyed reading this Molly. So much to take from this even when our circumstances might not be quite the same. Thanks for sharing your knowledge and insights 💛
I have had a break from employment for a year now. I have been interviewing throughout most of that time, but layoffs in my field were tremendous and there has been fierce competition. I have been asked in recent interviews, "What have you been doing with your time?" I don't want to reply that looking for a job is a full-time job, but essentially that is what I have been doing. How did you answer this question when you interviewed after your breaks?
I just told them I took time off to travel or be with my family or whatever I had actually done. For the most part, people love hearing and are envious of people who actually take time off.
Yes. A friend who works in HR told me that „travel“ is a good answer to this specific question. If you haven’t travelled that much recently, go tell them you went to see X Y Z (even if it’s been 10yrs). Be prepared for questions though, only pick places you’ve really been to
So much of this resonates with my experience this year taking time off between roles for the first time ever. Thanks for writing this piece! I have shared it with several people who will benefit. One thing I would add is that to successfully take time I also thought about what I get out of my job that I might miss while I wasn't working, and make sure to get that expression somewhere else so that I wouldn't feel the urge to cut short my time off. I think it fits with how to choose the personal goals you recommend. For me, the biggest risk activity that I would miss was deep dive analysis and planning, especially in partnership with other people. I planned a complicated family trip that involved a lot of research, and that met the need for my first few months off.
So well said, and so timely (for me, personally).
So glad I came across this. I take some time off of work and I end up doing so much work I’m exhausted after my time off 🤦🏽♀️
Great read Molly, thank you!
I really enjoyed reading this Molly. So much to take from this even when our circumstances might not be quite the same. Thanks for sharing your knowledge and insights 💛
I have had a break from employment for a year now. I have been interviewing throughout most of that time, but layoffs in my field were tremendous and there has been fierce competition. I have been asked in recent interviews, "What have you been doing with your time?" I don't want to reply that looking for a job is a full-time job, but essentially that is what I have been doing. How did you answer this question when you interviewed after your breaks?
I just told them I took time off to travel or be with my family or whatever I had actually done. For the most part, people love hearing and are envious of people who actually take time off.
Yes. A friend who works in HR told me that „travel“ is a good answer to this specific question. If you haven’t travelled that much recently, go tell them you went to see X Y Z (even if it’s been 10yrs). Be prepared for questions though, only pick places you’ve really been to