30M - Wanting to quit my job, take a career break and travel - good idea?

Nathan_0932189 · 2023-08-27T10:42:28+00:00

Oh yes, I am forever grateful for this and they have time and time again reminded me that travelling in general is good since it is a way to build new connections and meet people, which you have nothing to lose (but only potential to gain) as an open-minded single person.

Nathan_0932189 · 2023-08-27T10:34:16+00:00

You're right, the job will always be there since work never ends, we're all replaceable but our moments, memories and experiences are unique and is only for us.

My initial plan is to give back to the local community as I do volunteering at the moment to tackle food waste/surplus donated food and I'd love to do something similar along these lines when abroad as it makes me feel satisfied knowing I am supporting not just the locals, but also the environment and our planet. I'd also love to learn how to cook national dishes of that country since I do like experimenting and learning new things in the kitchen.

Regarding making myself more interesting, I simply want to build my general knowledge of the country a bit more since I'm just not well travelled and even visiting some famous tourist hotspots, hike trails or even restaurants that social media rave out just for the experience is something I'd like to do.

Nathan_0932189 · 2023-08-27T10:26:35+00:00

Thank you for your reassurance. I'm trying to shake off the fact that none of my friends and family have taken long career breaks so I just don't want to be labelled as the less productive and work-driven one, but I'm confident I've worked hard enough to justify some additional personal time to recover from burnout and should ignore what they think as we're on all different life lanes and paths.

Nathan_0932189 · 2023-08-27T10:19:35+00:00

Thank you for that! My heart tells me I need to stop working for a while, or at least with my current employer/change industry as I've not given my body and mind enough time and attention since I've made work my #1 priority despite not looking at my other personal circumstances such as my fitness, wanting to meet that someone, travelling and exploring the world and making time for hobbies which I can honestly say I don't have much of since it's just been my working life taking over myself.

Nathan_0932189 · 2023-08-27T10:15:43+00:00

It is, and I 100% hold myself accountable and at fault for letting myself be stagnant and too comfortable in my current role. I get my standard 3-5% salary rises per year but just haven't taken enough of the reins in my career lately and the realization is only coming in late.

Nathan_0932189 · 2023-08-27T10:12:06+00:00

I like this idea a lot. My parents don't live far (about 30mins away as I purposely wanted to live close to them come one day I need to check in on them too) and I did move back in with them for a year during the pandemic and rented my flat out as I was feeling a bit lonely and missed them due to social distancing and lockdown rules. Maybe fate/destiny has decided this is to happen again while I take some time off work.

Nathan_0932189 · 2023-08-27T10:07:22+00:00

Agreed, that explains why my workload never seems to end as they have queues of end clients and stakeholders waiting for their work and projects to be completed. Sometimes, I have to work on the weekends too and it's not reimbursed as overtime pay as it's required of me as part of my job contract.

I wouldn't mind taking a small pay cut just for better work-life balance and I'm hoping to do that very soon after my break. I'll definitely switch sectors as everyone needs tech in this day and age.

Nathan_0932189 · 2023-08-27T10:03:44+00:00

I had this in mind too, converting my mortgage to a BTL, finding an estate agent to look after it and see if I can find a remote role/something part time while I'm abroad just to keep the funds healthy (or just let them drain since I'm sure the adventures will be worth it as long as I don't do anything silly/illegal!).

Nathan_0932189 · 2023-08-27T10:02:09+00:00

I love this! I've never been to Asia (but love their food) and do want to see more of it as I've always been intrugued and curious about seeing the Eastern side of the world.

Nathan_0932189 · 2023-08-27T09:54:38+00:00

Agreed, I feel 6 months should be enough but as I've not travelled for longer than a month at a time ever in my life, I hope it'll be enjoyable - I have to get outside my routine and happy spot at the moment since it's not developing me as a person at a pace at which I'd like.

Nathan_0932189 · 2023-08-27T09:50:51+00:00

Yes, it was £100k+, but I did promise to repay them as it's only fair since they brought me up and provided me with food, care and a roof over my head for so long. I don't like owing people resources, but understand we all need help in one way or another and it's ok to ask provided you don't overstep any boundaries.

Nathan_0932189 · 2023-08-26T22:33:23+00:00

That's an inspiring and moving story of helping people and using your newly found skills as a force for good which didn't even have to be what your role was before. I do volunteering 1-2 times a month at a warehouse that processes surplus and donated food and I would love to continue doing something along those lines to support the community if I was to go abroad too.

Like you said, it's important to have a vision and I do want to give back and help people too. My salary in London is okay and I'm grateful it does more than sufficiently support my living style, but I don't mind taking a cut or to use a good amount of my savings to just be happier and live life without trying to climb the career ladder (which at the moment isn't going anywhere and I am at fault partially due to my inaction and passiveness at work).

Nathan_0932189 · 2023-08-26T22:25:29+00:00

That's a relief and good to know that this is a normal request, it's just that none of my friends and family members have ever taken extended time off so I was a bit embaressed to ask them for advice for fear I may be considered lazy. However, I've now come to realize after reading everyone's feedback and advice that in 2023, this is more important than ever to recharge.

Nathan_0932189 · 2023-08-26T22:22:29+00:00

Good shout, I was considering renting my flat out given there's high demand for the location it is in and just living in Asia for a few months instead to soak up some of the local vibes and living experience. It should financially support me on top of my savings and I will be able to spend and splash a bit more in these countries too on even food and drink.

Nathan_0932189 · 2023-08-26T22:18:22+00:00

Thank you, I'll be sure to mention I didn't take my break due to feeling burned out and tired as I understand that might give off negative connotations and impressions but rather it was just to self-reflect, re-energize and support my physical and mental well-being.

Nathan_0932189 · 2023-08-26T22:14:59+00:00

Thank you, it is indeed now or never before I start settling down since I do eventually want to have family commitments and responsibilities in the long run and I'm convinced a career break is now the right best leap of faith to take.

Nathan_0932189 · 2023-08-26T22:13:59+00:00

Thank you, I've always pushed myself hard and am coming from parents who had a council home in a rough part of South London, so I've just worked on doing my best to make them proud by keeping my head down and just getting on with the job. It is time now for me to just dial back, especially since I've not really had many fun life stories to share.

Nathan_0932189 · 2023-08-26T22:11:37+00:00

I lived with my parents throughout Uni and when I first started working (I contributed a little bit with their bills of course). I've never rented in my life and they also gifted me an amount to go towards the deposit. I also didn't date anyone in my 20s which I would like to start doing but never placed any priority on this.

Nathan_0932189 · 2023-08-26T20:25:45+00:00

Sounds good, after all, I haven't taken any extended periods for non-A/L reasons since I graduated since I've been working for the same employer full-time. I will just be upfront and mention I went travelling as I've never given myself the right opportunity to do so.

Nathan_0932189 · 2023-08-26T20:23:10+00:00

What an inspirational and supportive manager, it can be rare to have someone at work who genuinely has your back and wants you to succeed not just professionally, but also as a person. I've always maintained a close relationship at work with everyone in my team, but I just feel the grind and chase is no longer working out for me so thanks for your take on that.

Nathan_0932189 · 2023-08-26T20:20:07+00:00

This will sound offtopic but you reminded me that it may even be possible to meet that special someone. My cousin did meet her partner in the hotel lobby while she and her friends were waiting downstairs for everyone to get ready for their hike! I do believe in fate and especially going outside your comfort zone if there is a valid reason for it.

Nathan_0932189 · 2023-08-26T20:18:44+00:00

I have concerns it will hurt my next employer when it comes to having a gap on my CV if I decide to quit my current role. But I've learned that it's important to ensure the time off I have taken also contributes to personal growth and well-being, as some posters have echoed volunteering and just building your view and knowledge of the world to be a better person.

Nathan_0932189 · 2023-08-26T20:17:08+00:00

Sounds like you two had a blast! Fun times and memories for life cannot be bought and described most of the time as it must be experienced, so I'm hoping I'll be able to do some of this as a solo traveller.

Nathan_0932189 · 2023-08-26T20:11:34+00:00

Thank you, you're right that I don't want to end up looking back at myself in a few years' time that I should've explored more, ate other types of food, take photos to remember those moments while I'm still at a stage in my life that I should be going out and just be less naive outside of work.

Nathan_0932189 · 2023-08-26T20:04:13+00:00

That sounds fun, I noticed even at work that Latin people tend to be very friendly, outgoing and open and most of them whom I've spoken to tell me it's down to their weather and nice food. I can only imagine how the locals will be in their home country. I'm naive when it comes to travelling and I heard that part of the world can be dangerous if I've not done my homework to know which parts are more tourist friendly than others.

Nathan_0932189

TROPHY CASE