[Areeba]

I would love to hear stories of those who have taken a career break.
How did you decide you needed one? Did you quit your job? How did you get back into work?

Were you scared? Was it worth it?
Where were you financially when you took this break?

Whether it was to pursue personal growth, care for family, travel, or simply recharge, what made you take the leap? I’d love to hear your experiences and insights on the impact it had on your career and life overall.

Was it worth it in the end, and did it shape your path in unexpected ways?

If you’re comfortable sharing, what advice would you give to others considering a similar break?

[Alyssa]

I’ve taken a career detour! I have been a nurse for 8 years and the industry was draining my soul. I had burnt out.

I’m 14 months into doing “fun jobs” like working at a brewery, a wellness spa, a fitness center, and a mushroom farm.

The pay is significantly less, but the trade off of not having any job-related stress has been worth it to me.

I’m not sure yet if I’ll go back to my “career”.

[Jill]

I up and quit this summer after I became the next target by the new boss. I was able to do so because I was confident I’d find another job.

We had an emergency fund in place and were able to get insurance through the Healthcare exchange.

So, I took a few months off to reset and gain back my confidence.

Then got hired by a competitor working fully remote, for more money, and with no micromanaging. Best decision I ever made.

[Holly]

Last year I quit my job at age 35 to thru hike the Appalachian trail. Ultimately ended up taking 9 months off.

I had 14 years of experience in my field and I knew I could get a job afterwards but it was still a bit scary.

It was a little tough getting used to full time work again, missed the freedom, wish I had more PTO.

It was 100% worth it!

[Sally]

I’m in the middle of a career detour I knew needed to happen, so I prepped financially for over a year.

I was a professor with a long commute for 11 years in a niche subject, regularly working 60-80 hours a week plus side gigs.

I took a three-month leave three years before I resigned, but it only served as a temporary fix.

I knew I needed a change when I no longer recognized myself, couldn’t show up as I wanted, and was constantly exhausted and angry. Despite giving my final year a ‘hail mary’ effort, things didn’t improve.

So, I resigned in August (a friend encouraged me to say ‘resigned,’ as I gave everything to make it work) and have been doing contract work while searching for the right full-time role—I’m not rushing.
Was I scared? Absolutely.

Terrified of losing stability, not contributing to my household, and missing the chance to make an impact.

But I haven’t regretted it for a second. If anything, I should have left sooner.

Financially, I am close to CoastFi, which helped me transition smoothly and decompress before diving back into the job search

[Caro]

Burned out at 8 months pp with first. Had to quit and took a 2 month sabbatical. Did not like it. Went back to an old job (same type of work) just stepped down from management to individual contributor.

So much happier.

My husband kept working we did float the cost of daycare. I wasn’t scared because I was that mentally done. I did seek therapy.

If you are in a bad work situation look to take a week off asap. Then make a plan to get out.

If you don’t, it will get bad enough where you don’t have a choice. Trust me.

[Author]

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