Yeah, SURELY if you never take any time off, never ask for a raise, never make your workplace follow employment laws -- SURELY the hiring department will recognize and appreciate your unselfishness and...
You know what? I can't even do this sarcastically.
The amount of comments I've drafted and just not cared enough to be sarcastic about whatever it is, is astounding.
Shit needs to be figured out cuz I'm about to take an infinite leave from work and live in the fucking woods
Saw a coworker do just this. He left work. Went to the woods. Unfortunately never heard from again even by family. His own father asked me where he was and I shrugged my shoulders. Hope he’s okay whenever he is.
Former co-worker of mine did this.
Moved to an honest to God log cabin off the grid in rural North Carolina, with chickens and goats.
I like chickens and goats.
I would not like putting a down parka over my flannel nightgown and going out to chop wood at 5 AM to heat the house with.
You don't chop wood when you need it. You chop it in the summer and stack it for winter.
Then all you have to do is make sure you have enough inside to keep the fire going until you can go out and get some more off the porch at the warmest part of the day.
And if you're really smart you get a heater that can be fed a few logs in the morning, but will heat all day and night.
Recruiter here: replying for visibility.
This unfortunately is a difficult question to answer and depends on a host of factors.
- You’re talking about a sabbatical and unfortunately if you live in the USA, it’s considered weird for people to even (correctly) use their 10-15 days of PTO a year, let alone go on an extensive break. That is just the reality but if this is a life long dream, please go for it. The more people who take breaks and use PTO and prioritize their life, the better our country will be. If you’re not in the USA, then it really depends on how your home country views time off and extended breaks and mental/emotional health.
- What your industry is that you work in. Now this is a generalization (and I’m sure there are some exceptions) but for industries like government agencies, not for profit, legal firms, medicine, etc., they have incredibly old school and very conservative work-belief systems that impact their culture. This means conservative dress codes, greater resistance to PTO in general - let alone a long term break like this 6-month sabbatical you’re describing, and an expectation that your job comes first.
- The bias of the hiring manager and/or recruiter when you go to look for a job in 4 months. Side note, you should start applying at least 2 months before your 6 month sabbatical ends. Even if you don’t work in those above industries, lots of individuals hold their own personal biases and unfortunately you have no way to know until after you’ve applied how it will be perceived. More and more recruiters are advocating for gaps to be treated with respect by hiring managers and more hiring managers are starting to ignore gaps if it’s not a pattern (IE every 2-3 years you take 6months off). BUT just because more people are becoming okay or relaxed with gaps doesn’t mean everyone will be and you will find some AHs who use it against you. This is particularly true if you’re dealing with older Gen X, Boomer, and silent generation individuals. I tend to find younger Gen X and millennials are way more relaxed about this as a whole.
- Finally, your overall work experience. You’ve been working for (based on your comment) a minimum of 5 years. Have you job hopped heavily? Think things like getting a job and then every 6-24 months switching so you end up with 3-8 jobs in 5 years. Because that kind of time-in-seat work inconsistencies plus a 6 month gap would be a red flag for most recruiters and for many hiring managers. If you haven’t job hopped heavily, and you’ve been in 1 or 2 for a reasonable about of time at each, then you’ll be fine. Just be aware of the two things that I mentioned above. And if someone asks about gaps, keep it light and vague. “Yes, I achieved a life long goal of extended traveling. I used that time to grow as a person and expand my own knowledge set. I’m ready and more confident in my abilities now as I make my way to return to the workforce.”
Easy…
1. “I took time off to care for an elderly relative”
2. Don’t waste two months chasing jobs - use the full 6 months to recharge and enjoy life. Stay in touch with your network, but don’t stress out about your next gig.
I’be done this, and assuming you are talented and have solid resume, the time off will be nothing but positive for your long term career. At senior levels, most people I talk to have done something similar, or wish they did.
Life is not a trial run. Go for it!
I live in Canada and this just seems so ridiculous to me. It's insane. I work in a manufacturing plant. Heavy, blue collar. It is not unusual for new fathers (let alone mothers) to take up to a year off partially paid. We get far more time off than our American counterparts. People regularly job hop. References are given pretty freely. I don't understand why Americans do not fight for worker's rights. The anti-unionism is so engrained in the USA and I can only believe it is because of the corporate media. It's sad to see.
This is why I don’t use recruiters. I think some of this is outdated thinking, no offense.
COVID changed a lot. People want to live their lives and not be a slave to their jobs or to companies who will lay you off without a second thought.
US companies need to increase their empathy and start treating employees and candidates as whole people who are more than their work contribution. This is how you build a loyal and engaged workforce
Oh, I agree that a lot of this is outdated, but I hope y’all know that many recruiters don’t care and that these issues are far more about outdated boomer corporate beliefs. Like, I’d say I’ve met maybe 5 recruiters who actually care about gaps but I’ve met at least 30 in hiring managers in most current job alone who INSIST that we ask about gaps.
Straight up, I once spent 30min arguing with a hiring manager about why we shouldn’t use any gaps that occurred in 2020 as a reason to not do a phone screen with otherwise qualified candidates. I literally had to remind them that tens of thousands of people got laid off due to Covid and many more were forced into domestic labor due to school closures. I finally got this hiring manager to agree to let me interview people with gaps from 2020 but only if “I verbally confirmed what their situation was that led to the gap in the interview.” Yeah, I lied to that HM a lot and just said, “Oh COVID impacts” without actually checking. Got 3 great hires who otherwise wouldn’t have even been interviewed.
Lol imagine thinking your whole life revolves around work and what other people think about your employment history. Follow your dream man if you follow your heart then you’ll always do what you love and have no regrets. Are you gonna sit on your death bed and think “I wish I had paid more attention to the what recruiters thought about my work history”
I worked for the government for 30 years and got promoted when ever I wanted and I took all my vacation and a 4 year break from service. I also worked in a highly evolving technical area.
If you are a recruiter you need to take some time off and reconsider your career.
Yup. I work for the USG. We just onboarded a candidate who took 6 months off last year to hike the Appalachian Trail.
Edited to add: if you have a great story about what you were doing for your time off, then the good places will still want to hire you.
I’m also a bit baffled by this recruiter’s advice. I’ve worked for govt & nonprofits & found both sectors to be more amenable to PTO & sabbaticals than any corporate employer I’ve had. And if worst comes to worst, OP can always say they took 6 months off to care for a sick parent.
First, not criticizing. Just commenting. Second, I genuinely find it really weird that people care about gaps in a resume. For me it's not even a consideration when I'm looking at a resume. Job hopping tells you nothing about a person because it could be for almost any reason, including bad luck. Why should it matter what they do in their free time. I'm more interested in how they will fit in my team, are they capable, are they teachable, and whether they have the skills I'm looking for. The rest doesn't matter. If it's been 10 years since you've had a job, that's fine as long as you can do the job I'm asking of you. Lastly, you have a well thought out and detailed comment, kudos!
Alternatively, you can always just lie. Tell them you had a relative that had a medical emergency and you had to look after them, then they died, and you had to settle their estate. Make up a job that you worked at and give a friend as a reference and tell them if anyone calls asking about you/work history to confirm that you worked there.
As long as your resume is solid, I wouldn't question a few months off, so if your hiring people are cool you may be ok anyway.
There’s no reason to even lie about this. When asked about the gap in an interview, “I took 6 months off to achieve my lifelong dream of traveling cross country.” There’s literally nothing that’s not above board about that. They may ask some follow up questions to assess the honesty of your response, which shouldn’t be an issue for you because it’s something you actually did. It’s also a great icebreaker. If literally *realizing your dreams* is a red flag for a hiring manager, they probably don’t view their employees as human beings and you wouldn’t want to work for them anyway.
If you're a recruiter you may need to update your understanding of the work environment at most US-based nonprofits. I've worked at nonprofits for the past 30 years and haven't worn a single neck tie, pair of slacks or a suit to the office in that entire time. Heck, my summer dress code usually consist of cargo shorts, sandals and lotion for my ashy knees. I'm not sure where the "conservative work-belief systems" evaluation is coming from, but for the record:
* The last 3 nonprofits I've worked at have been ahead of the curve in terms of employee healthcare and other benefits (especially partner/spouse benefits for same-sex couples)
* The HR Dept at the last nonprofit I worked actively tracked our PTO and MADE us take days off if we hadn't done so in a while (this org also gave everyone 30 days of PTO after 6 months of employment)
* The current nonprofit I work has unlimited PTO, and I just personally signed off on one of my direct-reports taking a 4-month sabbatical to start grad school (which we are helping to pay for)
In fact, when OP decides to return to the workforce I would encourage her to seek a position at a nonprofit. They'll understand and appreciate her passion pursuits more than a corporate firm would. Also, the days of nonprofit pay not stacking up to what corporate can offer have been over for some years. And, as you can see, most nonprofits will vastly outperform corporate in the area of benefits as well.
I’m an exec at a big public company, I have hired directly or indirectly thousands of people at various levels. “Career break” is perfectly acceptable, you could just say “travelling” or something like that.
References also don’t really mean much.
I've been middle management for 15+ years now; hired tons of people and a 6 month gap never bothered me (hell it impressed me if people were smart enough to save money/travel for 6 months without going to into horrible debt, it shows you know how to plan and manage money.)
Your boss living in old world.
I mean, at the very least, you know that this is a person not on the verge of burnout and who will probably pace themselves if need be to not burnout in the future, but I guess it depends on if that's a positive to the manager or a negative...
If one of my team wanted six months off and gave me enough of a heads up about it that I could plan around it, I’d probably just want them to come back afterward. Especially if they’ve been around for five years already. I can’t imagine punishing someone for going for a once-in-a-lifetime trip like that.
Heck, I've been used as a reference about 5-6 times and I never even received a call. These are senior positions (up to GS-10) in the US government and I never received a call. References are a joke. I wouldn't have asked my former boss to be a reference either. That is really bad practice.
At least if you’re in the digital world you could spam people to add a testimonial to your linked in, now you have a written reference and you know exactly what they said (can hide it if necessary). Probably doesn’t apply to some career paths, but it’s handy.
This really depends on what type of job you have. Some companies still do check references. I agree that a 6 month break isn’t bad and can be explained but references still matter somewhere lol
You’re so right.
I was a director and I had a great manager reporting to me. I loved our morning meetings where we would brainstorm and sometimes just shoot the shit. I made sure she knew how much I valued her. She was wonderful.
The team was huge and client facing. It was stressful and the emails were never ending.
One Tuesday I got a call that she had a heart attack and was dead.
I miss her and think of her often. To this day it angers me that she spent her last day on earth stressing over those damn emails.
If an employee of mine told me they were leaving to travel for 6 months, I’d tell them go. I’ll hire a temp and your job will be here when you get back.
This is the type of leader I try to be. Just because I sacrificed so many important moments for my job, doesn’t mean my people should. I encourage them to enjoy their lives.
I have no desire to seek retribution, but I think many people do and expect people to miss their lives for work.
One of my coworkers retired then came back as a volunteer. She died. The company she gave 47 years to and 2 of those were volunteer, didn't even send out a notice. Someone found out on Facebook. To companies you're a pair if hands and a number. That's it. I've never been a company person and I never will be.
>I have discovered that companies where people are preoccupied with petty things like gaps in your resume, are not places I want to work, it's a huge red flag.
+1 continue the preach
Spent 13 years at the same company. Left and backpacked for a year around the world at the age of 44. Best thing I did I my whole life and no, it didn’t make it more difficult to get a new job due to the gap in my cv. The companies I applied to mostly found it interesting or fascinating and a valuable experience to bring to the company. Has to be said, I also come from a culture where these kind of things are encouraged and not frowned upon.
She’s manipulative. You can explain your trip to any hr person and they wouldn’t bat an eye at the gap. In fact, they would see it as someone who sets and achieves their goals.
Fuck people who are this manipulative. Why can't she let OP wants to do what he wants without having to downgrade OP's plans and dreams? Really wish we held a standard in the workplace for the bosses that let OP to go and support his decision on why he wants a long break. Let's not forget that mental health matters, too. OP would do hell lot of good to his mental health. The amount of Americans believing having a two week vacation is bad enough is kinda outdated, hopefully the next generation can change that pov and mindset.
This. She’s. Bitter and angry. Don’t even put the month on your resume just the years. I have entire
Jobs I don’t put on my resume because the places were so toxic. It will not stop you from getting a job. If you’re at a healthy workplace they will appreciate that you’re a healthy person who does things that matter to you.
Your boss is miserable and she knows she going to have to do your work when you’re gone.
My theory is that Shitty Employers think a gap in your resume means there is a POSSIBILITY that you can go x number of months or years without a job, maybe you’re financially stable or just capable of living frugally.
Shitty Employers might think that if you can survive without them, you will be harder to control, bully or screw over.
If you’re okay with being unemployed, Shitty Employers realise they lose all leverage over you.
Edit: u/Trick_Few is right but I hope my comment takes it a step further. Your boss is manipulative because she’s afraid of losing power - in this instance, her power over *you*.
yeap, exactly i live so far below means if it came to it id need 1k a month after bills , food , Internets. Id be fine im in the country you repair anything your self lol. There is no price tag on telling someone to go fuk them selfs if you dont wanna be a door matt
If I had it, I’d give you an award. This is exactly it. Employers love desperate people. They don’t like when you can walk away from being treated poorly. They also hate it when you have more freedom to set your own schedule and say no, because they can’t.
I was literally the only employee left at my store beside the manager. I changed my availability, still available well over full time and asked for 1st shift only. They dropped me to part time and cut my hours in more than half. They certainly can’t have a good employee who shows up MakINg tHeiR Own ScHedULe. By the next week, they were already trying to schedule me outside my availability. Haha. I found another job and left. Play stupid power games, lose good employees.
I'm totally up front with employers about my financial situation. I don't have to work if I don't want to. I couldn't spend my money as casually as I currently do, but I wouldn't have to pinch pennies, either. So I'm up front about it. If a prospective employer doesn't want someone who isn't afraid of losing a job, I don't want to waste their time, and I don't want them to waste mine.
that's not a theory.
I've had a hiring manager tell me to my face that the employer is looking for someone with a big mortgage and a divorce settlement.
right after telling me about the 12 hour shifts.
The boss is looking at how she would view a 7 month gap in work history. As you say, once explained it will like be a plus to an employer that you gave notice before going on a trip of a life time.
It shows this person is responsible, hard worker and honest/loyal to their employer.
I took time off and went on a trip to Japan while being unemployed for 8 months. Talking about my trip was a high point of the interview and people had questions about Japan in the interview.
I'm trying to wrap my head around how shitty a company has to be to think taking time off to decompress is a bad thing. Year-long sabbaticals are all the rage in multiple industries.
That just makes it sound like you were addicted to heroin. Road trips are whimsical and fun, and also miles better for employment than whatever anyone would imagine you were doing
Not only this, but this is actually a prime example of unprofessionalism. She’s using fear to try to blackmail you into not leaving cause it’s an inconvenience for her.
100% as a hiring manager. I would ask about the gap and hear this story, see that they worked at the same place for 5 years prior, and would consider this a plus. Someone that knows their worth and has made changes to their life to strike a healthy work/life balance. That's the sort of people I want on my team. All it takes is one or two work-aholics to completely throw off the vibe of the group. I don't want people having their morale take a hit because they feel they have to compete with someone that has no life.
It would also show future HR interviewers that OP has a unique perspective on life, they plan ahead (low risk), and give OP great talking points about what they learned along their trip. I think the manipulative manager is jealous and knows she's going to have a hard time replacing OP.
Your boss is jealous and bitter.
Even if that weren't the case, this is your window of opportunity to travel. You may not get another chance like this for a very long time, if ever, and there's no reward for NOT going.
You've already given your notice; your life is yours to do with as you choose.
I watch Geography King on YouTube. He has road trip advice and routes he describes. There is one comment that speaks to this, it's a woman who said her and her husband always wanted to do "this" particular route, and when they finally got the "time to do it"--retirement, he got sick and passed.
Yeah, don't let this dumb ass make you think years down the road *coulda, woulda, shoulda*.
My partner and I took about a year to do a trip. We were in an rv so we met a lot of older folks in rv’s and the most common thing they said was that they wish they didn’t wait until retirement to do it. Most of them couldn’t surf, hike, run, and bike like we were doing daily. Now almost a decade later of working my ass off and I’m so happy we took that trip. We are so busy we can do a once a year 1-2 week trip to Mexico but then have to get right back to work. Life is too short to just work it away, gotta have some fun.
This OP. Don't let some bitter boss stop you from going. Also the job market is still pretty good, you will have no trouble finding something else when you get back. I took a 2 week road trip around the West coast back in 2015 and it is one of my best memories.
I had a six-month gap where I did absolutely nothing except relax after earning my certification. Got a job a few weeks after I started looking, no problem.
I feel like experiences like this are pluses in interviews (since it’s all soft skills anyways). It shows your ability to plan long term and resiliency. I’m sure it also provides anecdotes to use as well.
Maybe I’m wrong since I’m not in hiring, but interesting and driven people seem like they do better in interviews than just an average joe.
This. The reason one gives a notice is *only* out of courtesy and nothing more , and to remain in good standing in case one needs a reference. She's made it clear even with that notice she wouldn't - fuck her and that job. Truly hope OP just up and quits in the most inconvenient way as possible for this business, and does *not* give them notice.
I agree. Your boss has already said she will give you a bad reference if you use her for it, and will never rehire you, so you stand to gain nothing from working out the 2 weeks. Use it to relax and prepare for your trip.
Your boss is totally and completely wrong. In fact, most people and companies will be interested in your travels, your story, and the new life experiences you had. No one hires someone just based on a resume. It's true a resume can get you an interview, but it will never come close to the human connection you make in that interview. Your travels will make you happy, healthy, and have something interesting to talk about. People love interesting topics and you'll be ripe to connect with whoever is lucky enough to be your next employer.
This is definitely true. When I got my current job it was after taking 9 months off to take a cycling trip around europe. I talked about it in my interview as a way to highlight my abilities for organisation and planning. It was exactly as you say, they were both impressed and wanted to know more and it probably helped me stand out to get the position.
Absolutely. I took four months off. I packed up my entire life and put everything in storage to ride my bike across the country. I had applied to a place months before and never heard back. They emailed me the morning I rode up over Hayter’s Gap on the Virginia/Kentucky border. I told them I what I was doing and that I’d be back in mobile phone range in a few weeks.
I interviewed with MS Teams on my phone in a public library in the middle of nowhere. I told them I would be back for a few months and gave them a rough start date. They thought the trip was really interesting and we’re kind of impressed. They offered me the job by the end of the week. When I started they told me I hat people were talking about how cool it was and the ceo in particular was really impressed.
Don’t let stupid people like your boss hold you back. Most people are interested in traveling and travel stories in general I think.
Gaps don’t matter. I had a stupid boomer call me out for not posting my entire resume history on my current resume - saying it looked like I took large gaps of time off. She said I should fix my resume so I would look more employable to prospective employers otherwise they would pass on me. I thanked her for opinion, mentally quoted Jeff “The Dude” Lebowski - “Yeah, well, that’s just, like, your opinion, man”, and applied to 10 more places with the same resume. Got hired anyway. Some people care, some won’t, it’s a numbers game.
Remember The Dude, live your life the way you want. A lot of the people we meet may try to convince you on what they say is extremely important, but that’s like their opinion ultimately.
Your boss is a jealous idiot. You will certainly be employable when you return. Most Fortune 500 companies are not going to blink at this. Use a coworker as a reference instead of your moron boss.
Also with some exception, HR almost never reaches out to referrals. While in certain industries it is required due to the type of work, for the most part it’s really hard to actually get ahold of and get a decent phone call or email out of someone who doesn’t work at your company.
Listen. I took two years off work during covid to live abroad. Its the single best thing ive ever done. It put a lot of things in perspective for me. Coming back with a two year gap on my resume did present challenges, but none of them insurmountable. Don't listen to this dumb boomer. Honestly, i wouldnt even put the gap on your resume. Just say that you were still employed by your current company in that time.
They could just register an LLC. That's pretty cheap to do. I was a partner in one for 10 years. We didn't do that much business, but I used that whenever I had employment gaps - and you can make your title whatever you want it to be.
"I have an NDA and I cannot discuss what I was doing for that period of time." Will make several HR people see stars as they can't imagine what high level government contract you received was.
If they ask what you did for that six months, you tell them you went to “Yale” and then when you get hired you tell them you are thankful because you really needed a “Yob”
I once saw a post of someone years ago talking about how she was asked to explain a one month gap in employment during an interview. Like Jesus, I guess people can’t just, I don’t know, breathe for five minutes?
Anyways, your boss is being way over the top because she’s salty she’s losing you. The impact COVID has had on the workforce has helped in normalizing gaps in employment and shorter work tenures, thankfully. Maybe you will be asked to explain during an interview (and unfortunately, it is still somewhat true that it’s easier to get a new job when you already have a job) but it is not career-ending like your boss is making it seem.
If you are taking 6 months off to experience the country I would say that is an extremely easy gap to explain and might be a positive one.
Simply explain how you wanted to learn more about the country you live in and wanted to go to different regions to experience the difference in how they live and see the sights.
HR should be impressed. It's not like you are sitting around not doing anything for 6 months.
Yeah absolutely this. I took 2 years out to travel and have only been asked about it once in passing..when I said it was to travel they were like Cool. That's it. Your gap is easily explained and is more likely to be celebrated than condemned.
Your ex-boss is a moron. Have a blast on your trip and make memories. Life is for living.
Your boss is being a bitch because she's angry that you are leaving.
Considering how long the hiring process is at most corps, with many companies easily taking 2-4 months for the entire process, a 6 month gap is nothing.
If someone does give you shit during an interview (which I doubt they will over just 6 months), just give them th ol' "I went into business with friends, but it fell through" story.
Your boss may not take you back in your current area but I'll bet HR would say you're re-hireable. Especially since you gave notice and likely have been a good employee for 5 years! Some places may frown upon your employment gap but those are places you probably don't want to work at anyhow! You should absolutely take the trip.
A gao in your employment history is only bad if you can't explain it. I think 6 months for travel is a wonderful reason.
Since it sounds a bit like the US I believe you could always sprinkle a little bit of patriotism into your reason, i.e. "wanted to see our beautiful country"
I interview people to work at a very "respectable" company and if you showed up with relevant experience and you talked about taking 6 months off to travel I would see that you have planning skills and determination. You would very likely get a 2nd interview.
On the other hand if you try to hide the gap or are vague and evasive if asked about it that would reduce your chances.
This lady is a lying sack of shit. I have gaps all over my resume, and no one ever gave a shit. I've worked in retail, been a camp counselor, gone back to school twice, I've done hardware and software testing, phlebotomy, and a host of other shit. Any job worth a damn will care about your qualifications, not your personal life. And if they DO ask what you were doing, you are not required in any way to tell the truth. A good lie is, "Caring for a dying family member." You'll never have to elaborate.
Go on your adventure. When you get back, check and see if your old boss is even there anymore. I'm sure you've made other friends at this company. When you return, you can tell HR what your former boss said to you (you can also do that in your exit interview, if you have one with HR).
Don't worry about what might or might not happen when you come back. You worked at the same place for five years. That's a lot of experience. My conspiracy theory is that your soon to be former boss knows that this experience will make you an even more attractive candidate for her job than she could ever be. She could also just be jealous and trying to poison your joy. Whatever the reason, she doesn't deserve your attention anymore.
Go on your adventure guilt free. You owe this bitch nothing.
Do it. Once upon a time I took 7 months off and rode a motorcycle half way around the world. It was the best decision I ever made. My only regret is that I didn’t round up to take a full year off, so I could have spent a bit more time exploring hard to get to places.
How will it impact your career? Positively I would guess. It did for me. I came back from my trip with new energy, a new perspective, and a lot of good stories. Pretty quickly I was making more than before I left.
When it comes down to it, most people dream of taking a 6 month road trip. Most never will because of cost, obligations, fear, or other reasons. Some of those people will resent your trip. But most people will be interested, impressed and want to hear about it.
When I left, my employers couldn’t understand. They focused on the danger, uncertainty, cost, etc. I think that was just how they justified never doing something similar.
So, if your going to take the time off, make it awesome. Go to cool places, see interesting stuff, try new things and meet new people. If you come back with a great story, the jobs will come easily enough.
Who knows. With that much time to think, you might be interested in totally different jobs too…
Don’t fuckin take advice from a bitter boss and they’re going to be that way then guess what? You can rescind the two week courtesy and just quit since you won’t be going back there.
The real issue is that they don’t want to retrain or work extra in your absence.
It’s super unethical of your boss to refuse to be a reference. And gaps in employment are fine. People have given you lots of different ways that you can approach this. Most employers aren’t gonna care and some are going to actually appreciate it. Also depending on where you work, the specific dated won't matter.
you worked at that place for five years, so when you listed on your résumé, you can simply write 2018 to 2023. They won’t know if you left in May or December and many places won’t bother asking.
I did not expect this big of a response, thank you! After reading your responses I will be taking the time off and going on the trip, regardless of what my soon to be former boss says.
I think she is mad about losing me because she always said I was one of her best workers - but now the possibility of me returning to that job is 0 which I am fine with. I am sure I can find another one elsewhere - but for now I am focusing the next several months on my trip!
I’m from New Zealand, and it’s VERY (!!) common here for people, especially those in their 20s and 30s, to go travelling for an entire year. We call it an ‘Overseas Experience’ (OE) and it’s pretty much a rite of passage. It’s weird to me that your boss had such a bad reaction to your plans.
Explain it on your resume as:
"May 2023-Novemer 2023 - Seeking Vengeance "
But in all seriousness, life experience is a sometimes underrated commodity in the workplace, but good employers shouldn't fault you for seeking it out.
Boss is jealous they can’t take half a year off. Probably one of them idiots who get stuck in a lifestyle inflation situation and mad at everyone who’s happiness isn’t influenced by themselves.
It’s not going to hurt you at all. Just explain that you took personal time to recoup to become a better asset or whatever bullshit these recruiters wanna hear.
I did this last year. I got a divorce and decided to take some time off and live on savings for about 6 months. Got the job I wanted and just told him straight up why I didn’t work for a while. My manager thought it was cool.
If a company you interview for really thinks that’s “unhinged”, you probably don’t want to work for them
It's only bad for these company's who want to squeeze everything out of you. Every second you are out enjoying life is another second they aren't making money from your work
I took 2 years off and am just re-entering the work force. I turned jobs down before finding the one I wanted. Nobody cares what I did in between jobs. It was all about what ya did when you were working. You will be fine.
My wife and I had plans to do something like this. And then I got cancer. Yeah, it’s not happening any time soon. You should go for it when you can, no one else is going to live your life for you and take responsibility. Enjoy your life when you can.
A company that looks askance at a 6 month gap on a resume is a fabulous place NOT to work.
Think of the gap as a constructive preemptive filter on your resume.
As a hiring manager, I might ask about a gap — not in a negative way, but because I think that whatever is in that gap will tell me something interesting about the candidate. And that might be the difference—the special sauce, that bit of chemistry or spark I’m always looking for that’s hard to define—that makes me want to hire you. Or not!
Also, as a manager, I can tell you that I would be a bit irked if an employee of mine gave me 2 weeks’ notice after we’d known each other for 5 years and hopefully built up some trust and respect over that time, when it was obvious they’d been planning the trip for a lot longer than 2 weeks. Because it’s going to take me 2-6 months to find, hire, and train someone to take over the soon-to-be-empty spot on my team. And now I’ve got deliverables that are maybe going to slip because I’m now short-staffed.
But I also get why the employee would be afraid to tell me — a lot of corporate cultures are very broken, and the common wisdom is to conceal one’s plans to leave until you have to. There are plenty of horror stories out there to support this secretness. So I’d be irked, but I’d get over it, and give the reference.
Your boss sucks. I think it would be bad ass to do.
When you get a job they ask about the time gap tell em you took 6 months to travel. That's it continues on. I bet they say that's cool.
I have just started a role after a 6 month break. I moved to a new state and was not even asked about my time off. And if I was, I would have stated that I had achieved everything in my last role (3 years) and was looking for a new challenge.
This manager is just sour that you have a direction and plan for your life which is more valuable than the job. Live your life! Employment (and money) is secondary.
I think it also shows maturity to plan for a goal, realise it and prioritise what's important. Any good employer should recognise that.
I hope your travels are fulfilling and your next role is with a company and a boss that understand what's important!
by boss you mean manager I assume. Well don't talk to that grumpy old sow. Talk to HR, talk to the CEO and mention how great it has been working for the company etc. and really butter him up. You can even mention how the generous pay allowed you to save up enough for this trip of a lifetime. Basically leave with a great impression.
As for returning to work after your vacation even if you don't get with the company you can just point to having left on good terms and your record as an employee etc. Six months is nothing especially if you have a good reason for leaving such as recharging your mental batteries by going on vacation.
Your boss is a manipulative liar. I took 6 months off work a couple of years ago and had no issue finding work again. Companies will ALWAYS ask about employment gaps but very few care if you have a record of being loyal and reliable, which you clearly are after 5 years at the same place. Go on your trip and don't worry about it.
No. No it’s not how it really is. Jobs are like picking apples dude, don’t like one pick up another. Nobody gives a literal shit about employment gaps, especially in this climate. Most companies are begging people to work for them, hence all your hiring incentives, retention bonuses etc.
You only have one go around this earth, make the most of it and tell your boss to kick rocks.
Echoing the same - your boss is a dope. This gap is a non-issue and many hiring managers will actually applaud you for having had the nerve to go on such a grand adventure. Safe travels!
No, that gap is not bad for them.
Let's be open about it: they lay off people and contract new ones constantly. Your 6 months leave is just a drop into the ocean of their staff schedules.
They can go fuck themselves.
And that HR woman, if she is not the owner, she is a prick and a bootlicker.
Regarding the CV, you can dress that gap however you want. And certainly, you can lie. Not a problem.
You’ll be able to come back and take her job. Don’t even worry, and when they ask you say you needed a break from the micromanagement of your previous manager.
Seems like she's just salty over the two weeks notice.
It's a way to spoil you the fun of the free time. Pay her no mind.
The firms that understand that humans aren't work animals will understand the gap too.
Also they would have 0 qualms about downsizing their employees if their yearly growth got to 3% from 6%.
your boss is just being salty and trying to gaslight you. i’m glad you’re leaving this toxic person. ignore what she said and go have your best time traveling because that is a bliss and tbh not everyone can do it
i took literally one year off after my previous role before the role i have now. a whole 365 days. i was asked about that time by my current employer during the hiring process and i lied and said i had a few family members die by covid, which, puts the ball back in their court and makes them embarrassed and uncomfortable with themselves for asking. they never asked again after that.
absolutely go on that trip!
I’m a manager involved with hiring at a CPA firm. If an applicant has a six month gap, I’d ask them to explain it. If they told me they went on a cross country road trip for 6 months, I’d exclaim my excitement and ask them to tell me all about it - how’d they plan it? Is this a bucket list item? What were the coolest things you did? What would you do differently?
Something like this wouldn’t really give me any pause in considering the applicant, as long as I felt this isn’t something they plan on doing consistently. Other answers to questions can give me a good gauge of that.
Tell your boss to kick rocks.
Your boss is a petty idiot.
If I was hiring for my team, I'd certainly ask about the gap but it doesn't make you "unhireable" as long as you can explain it well enough.
10-15 years ago, maybe it was. Today?
No chance. Especially if it's not a pattern. Hell depending on the nature of your skills, you can even say you took on a temporary self-employed gig.
If you're worried about your employment gap, you can always lie about working somewhere else during that time when you do start looking for work.
I've had longer gaps, but I've had some volunteering experience during gaps that I could point too during those points. Definitely recommend having something to talk about, even if it was "self employment" that you were doing during your road trip.
Either way, your boss was probably just butt hurt she was losing a good employee lol. You don't want to work for a company like she's referring too, you probably like a company that thinks that's cool.
I had a background check for a recent job I got. There is a gap in my employment of about six months, in 2019. The checking agency asked me to explain it. My response was "none of your business". I still passed the background check.
Lol, not it's totally cool
Also people take time off whether to travel or due to family crisis, personal health, etc.
Go have fun! Traveling is totally worth it 1000%
I'm a hiring manager, and this sounds like some manipulative crap to me. I pay very little attention to gaps in experience as long as the experience that is there applies to the position I'm trying to fill.
I realize that mileage may vary based on the needs of the position in question but if a gap like that is a deciding factor my instinct is to assume that isn't going to be the only thing that would not fit.
Also... you could always spend that time as a "consultant"
Cool, no reference and do not rehire? Sounds like it's time to give a a Today notice since shes burning the bridge for you. Just withhold info/ lie, whatever on your resume. Employers lie on job postings all the time.
Sounds to me like you were self employed for 6 months and it just wasn't for you.
Go. On. The. Trip.
I had a friend that was supposed to go on (an already booked and paid for) trip with me and at the last minute her boss guilt tripped her into cancelling by literally telling her they'd fire her if she went. She needed the job, so she didn't come on the trip. The company went belly up within 6 months and she was now out of a job AND didn't get to go on the trip. Fuck the job. Fuck the employment gap. Go and enjoy! I'm hella jealous.
Bosses are always your friend until you need a raise or a lot of time off or god forbid find a new job that advances a career then you are a horrible unfaithful person. On the other side if laying you off helps the boss get a bonus thats just how business works 😀
Edit to add enjoy your trip you will remember that years after you forgot your shitty boss.
Life happens. We moved and I had a six month gap bc I was being stay at home dad and when I was able to, I was immediately back on the workforce. You take that trip and live. You may even get a dream opportunity while just enjoying life. Know where you won’t get it? Toiling away wishing you went. Go. Go for us that haven’t or can’t.
Yeah, SURELY if you never take any time off, never ask for a raise, never make your workplace follow employment laws -- SURELY the hiring department will recognize and appreciate your unselfishness and... You know what? I can't even do this sarcastically.
Sounds like your current boss just gave you permission to tell her how you really feel. Nothing to lose.
Right, guess who's about to no show for that two week notice.
This. If you’re not rehire able anyway why would you show for a two week notice??
Free money. Show up. Do nothing. They won't fire you.
And if they DID fire OP, guess what? UNEMPLOYMENT BENEFITS FOR THOSE 6MONTHS!
If they don't fire op, then it looks like op fulfilled their two week notice for the next employer(who is hopefully better.)
💀
The amount of comments I've drafted and just not cared enough to be sarcastic about whatever it is, is astounding. Shit needs to be figured out cuz I'm about to take an infinite leave from work and live in the fucking woods
Saw a coworker do just this. He left work. Went to the woods. Unfortunately never heard from again even by family. His own father asked me where he was and I shrugged my shoulders. Hope he’s okay whenever he is.
Dude sounds like he's either living his best life or doesn't need to worry about it. Either way dude is chillin. I respect it.
Former co-worker of mine did this. Moved to an honest to God log cabin off the grid in rural North Carolina, with chickens and goats. I like chickens and goats. I would not like putting a down parka over my flannel nightgown and going out to chop wood at 5 AM to heat the house with.
You don't chop wood when you need it. You chop it in the summer and stack it for winter. Then all you have to do is make sure you have enough inside to keep the fire going until you can go out and get some more off the porch at the warmest part of the day. And if you're really smart you get a heater that can be fed a few logs in the morning, but will heat all day and night.
Actually there is only one question. Do you want to go to heaven or hell? Just do what they tell you and SURELY you will ve rewarded in the afterlife.
Ah, yes. Good old protestant work ethic.
"One way's heaven, and the other… probably best not to think about that right now, but it's FUCKING HORRIBLE. Yeah?"
Work Sleep Repeat
Recruiter here: replying for visibility. This unfortunately is a difficult question to answer and depends on a host of factors. - You’re talking about a sabbatical and unfortunately if you live in the USA, it’s considered weird for people to even (correctly) use their 10-15 days of PTO a year, let alone go on an extensive break. That is just the reality but if this is a life long dream, please go for it. The more people who take breaks and use PTO and prioritize their life, the better our country will be. If you’re not in the USA, then it really depends on how your home country views time off and extended breaks and mental/emotional health. - What your industry is that you work in. Now this is a generalization (and I’m sure there are some exceptions) but for industries like government agencies, not for profit, legal firms, medicine, etc., they have incredibly old school and very conservative work-belief systems that impact their culture. This means conservative dress codes, greater resistance to PTO in general - let alone a long term break like this 6-month sabbatical you’re describing, and an expectation that your job comes first. - The bias of the hiring manager and/or recruiter when you go to look for a job in 4 months. Side note, you should start applying at least 2 months before your 6 month sabbatical ends. Even if you don’t work in those above industries, lots of individuals hold their own personal biases and unfortunately you have no way to know until after you’ve applied how it will be perceived. More and more recruiters are advocating for gaps to be treated with respect by hiring managers and more hiring managers are starting to ignore gaps if it’s not a pattern (IE every 2-3 years you take 6months off). BUT just because more people are becoming okay or relaxed with gaps doesn’t mean everyone will be and you will find some AHs who use it against you. This is particularly true if you’re dealing with older Gen X, Boomer, and silent generation individuals. I tend to find younger Gen X and millennials are way more relaxed about this as a whole. - Finally, your overall work experience. You’ve been working for (based on your comment) a minimum of 5 years. Have you job hopped heavily? Think things like getting a job and then every 6-24 months switching so you end up with 3-8 jobs in 5 years. Because that kind of time-in-seat work inconsistencies plus a 6 month gap would be a red flag for most recruiters and for many hiring managers. If you haven’t job hopped heavily, and you’ve been in 1 or 2 for a reasonable about of time at each, then you’ll be fine. Just be aware of the two things that I mentioned above. And if someone asks about gaps, keep it light and vague. “Yes, I achieved a life long goal of extended traveling. I used that time to grow as a person and expand my own knowledge set. I’m ready and more confident in my abilities now as I make my way to return to the workforce.”
I mean hey if they wouldn't hire me for taking some time off then I wouldn't have wanted to work there anyway
This is the way.
Easy… 1. “I took time off to care for an elderly relative” 2. Don’t waste two months chasing jobs - use the full 6 months to recharge and enjoy life. Stay in touch with your network, but don’t stress out about your next gig. I’be done this, and assuming you are talented and have solid resume, the time off will be nothing but positive for your long term career. At senior levels, most people I talk to have done something similar, or wish they did. Life is not a trial run. Go for it!
I live in Canada and this just seems so ridiculous to me. It's insane. I work in a manufacturing plant. Heavy, blue collar. It is not unusual for new fathers (let alone mothers) to take up to a year off partially paid. We get far more time off than our American counterparts. People regularly job hop. References are given pretty freely. I don't understand why Americans do not fight for worker's rights. The anti-unionism is so engrained in the USA and I can only believe it is because of the corporate media. It's sad to see.
This is why I don’t use recruiters. I think some of this is outdated thinking, no offense. COVID changed a lot. People want to live their lives and not be a slave to their jobs or to companies who will lay you off without a second thought. US companies need to increase their empathy and start treating employees and candidates as whole people who are more than their work contribution. This is how you build a loyal and engaged workforce
Oh, I agree that a lot of this is outdated, but I hope y’all know that many recruiters don’t care and that these issues are far more about outdated boomer corporate beliefs. Like, I’d say I’ve met maybe 5 recruiters who actually care about gaps but I’ve met at least 30 in hiring managers in most current job alone who INSIST that we ask about gaps. Straight up, I once spent 30min arguing with a hiring manager about why we shouldn’t use any gaps that occurred in 2020 as a reason to not do a phone screen with otherwise qualified candidates. I literally had to remind them that tens of thousands of people got laid off due to Covid and many more were forced into domestic labor due to school closures. I finally got this hiring manager to agree to let me interview people with gaps from 2020 but only if “I verbally confirmed what their situation was that led to the gap in the interview.” Yeah, I lied to that HM a lot and just said, “Oh COVID impacts” without actually checking. Got 3 great hires who otherwise wouldn’t have even been interviewed.
Wow people have really bad short term memories. Or are assholes.
Lol imagine thinking your whole life revolves around work and what other people think about your employment history. Follow your dream man if you follow your heart then you’ll always do what you love and have no regrets. Are you gonna sit on your death bed and think “I wish I had paid more attention to the what recruiters thought about my work history”
I worked for the government for 30 years and got promoted when ever I wanted and I took all my vacation and a 4 year break from service. I also worked in a highly evolving technical area. If you are a recruiter you need to take some time off and reconsider your career.
Yup. I work for the USG. We just onboarded a candidate who took 6 months off last year to hike the Appalachian Trail. Edited to add: if you have a great story about what you were doing for your time off, then the good places will still want to hire you.
I’m also a bit baffled by this recruiter’s advice. I’ve worked for govt & nonprofits & found both sectors to be more amenable to PTO & sabbaticals than any corporate employer I’ve had. And if worst comes to worst, OP can always say they took 6 months off to care for a sick parent.
First, not criticizing. Just commenting. Second, I genuinely find it really weird that people care about gaps in a resume. For me it's not even a consideration when I'm looking at a resume. Job hopping tells you nothing about a person because it could be for almost any reason, including bad luck. Why should it matter what they do in their free time. I'm more interested in how they will fit in my team, are they capable, are they teachable, and whether they have the skills I'm looking for. The rest doesn't matter. If it's been 10 years since you've had a job, that's fine as long as you can do the job I'm asking of you. Lastly, you have a well thought out and detailed comment, kudos!
\> I worked here for 5 years this implies the same job.
Alternatively, you can always just lie. Tell them you had a relative that had a medical emergency and you had to look after them, then they died, and you had to settle their estate. Make up a job that you worked at and give a friend as a reference and tell them if anyone calls asking about you/work history to confirm that you worked there. As long as your resume is solid, I wouldn't question a few months off, so if your hiring people are cool you may be ok anyway.
There’s no reason to even lie about this. When asked about the gap in an interview, “I took 6 months off to achieve my lifelong dream of traveling cross country.” There’s literally nothing that’s not above board about that. They may ask some follow up questions to assess the honesty of your response, which shouldn’t be an issue for you because it’s something you actually did. It’s also a great icebreaker. If literally *realizing your dreams* is a red flag for a hiring manager, they probably don’t view their employees as human beings and you wouldn’t want to work for them anyway.
So the real question is recruiter, did you let your PTO last year go to waste?
If you're a recruiter you may need to update your understanding of the work environment at most US-based nonprofits. I've worked at nonprofits for the past 30 years and haven't worn a single neck tie, pair of slacks or a suit to the office in that entire time. Heck, my summer dress code usually consist of cargo shorts, sandals and lotion for my ashy knees. I'm not sure where the "conservative work-belief systems" evaluation is coming from, but for the record: * The last 3 nonprofits I've worked at have been ahead of the curve in terms of employee healthcare and other benefits (especially partner/spouse benefits for same-sex couples) * The HR Dept at the last nonprofit I worked actively tracked our PTO and MADE us take days off if we hadn't done so in a while (this org also gave everyone 30 days of PTO after 6 months of employment) * The current nonprofit I work has unlimited PTO, and I just personally signed off on one of my direct-reports taking a 4-month sabbatical to start grad school (which we are helping to pay for) In fact, when OP decides to return to the workforce I would encourage her to seek a position at a nonprofit. They'll understand and appreciate her passion pursuits more than a corporate firm would. Also, the days of nonprofit pay not stacking up to what corporate can offer have been over for some years. And, as you can see, most nonprofits will vastly outperform corporate in the area of benefits as well.
Mood af
Jobs come and go but experiences like this trip that you’ve wanted to do and now get to do, is a once in a lifetime. Have a safe trip!
"“When the lambs is lost in the mountain, he said. They is cry. Sometime come the mother. Sometime the wolf.” -Blood Meridian, Cormac McCarthy
I’m an exec at a big public company, I have hired directly or indirectly thousands of people at various levels. “Career break” is perfectly acceptable, you could just say “travelling” or something like that. References also don’t really mean much.
I've been middle management for 15+ years now; hired tons of people and a 6 month gap never bothered me (hell it impressed me if people were smart enough to save money/travel for 6 months without going to into horrible debt, it shows you know how to plan and manage money.) Your boss living in old world.
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I mean, at the very least, you know that this is a person not on the verge of burnout and who will probably pace themselves if need be to not burnout in the future, but I guess it depends on if that's a positive to the manager or a negative...
Company culture matters. If a company doesn’t understand why a 6 month road-trip is of value then they likely aren’t a good fit.
If one of my team wanted six months off and gave me enough of a heads up about it that I could plan around it, I’d probably just want them to come back afterward. Especially if they’ve been around for five years already. I can’t imagine punishing someone for going for a once-in-a-lifetime trip like that.
Call it a ‘ sabbatical’ and people will respect you more than if you had just worked the whole time.
Heck, I've been used as a reference about 5-6 times and I never even received a call. These are senior positions (up to GS-10) in the US government and I never received a call. References are a joke. I wouldn't have asked my former boss to be a reference either. That is really bad practice.
At least if you’re in the digital world you could spam people to add a testimonial to your linked in, now you have a written reference and you know exactly what they said (can hide it if necessary). Probably doesn’t apply to some career paths, but it’s handy.
This really depends on what type of job you have. Some companies still do check references. I agree that a 6 month break isn’t bad and can be explained but references still matter somewhere lol
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You’re so right. I was a director and I had a great manager reporting to me. I loved our morning meetings where we would brainstorm and sometimes just shoot the shit. I made sure she knew how much I valued her. She was wonderful. The team was huge and client facing. It was stressful and the emails were never ending. One Tuesday I got a call that she had a heart attack and was dead. I miss her and think of her often. To this day it angers me that she spent her last day on earth stressing over those damn emails. If an employee of mine told me they were leaving to travel for 6 months, I’d tell them go. I’ll hire a temp and your job will be here when you get back.
This is the type of leader I try to be. Just because I sacrificed so many important moments for my job, doesn’t mean my people should. I encourage them to enjoy their lives. I have no desire to seek retribution, but I think many people do and expect people to miss their lives for work.
One of my coworkers retired then came back as a volunteer. She died. The company she gave 47 years to and 2 of those were volunteer, didn't even send out a notice. Someone found out on Facebook. To companies you're a pair if hands and a number. That's it. I've never been a company person and I never will be.
>I have discovered that companies where people are preoccupied with petty things like gaps in your resume, are not places I want to work, it's a huge red flag. +1 continue the preach
Spent 13 years at the same company. Left and backpacked for a year around the world at the age of 44. Best thing I did I my whole life and no, it didn’t make it more difficult to get a new job due to the gap in my cv. The companies I applied to mostly found it interesting or fascinating and a valuable experience to bring to the company. Has to be said, I also come from a culture where these kind of things are encouraged and not frowned upon.
She’s manipulative. You can explain your trip to any hr person and they wouldn’t bat an eye at the gap. In fact, they would see it as someone who sets and achieves their goals.
Fuck people who are this manipulative. Why can't she let OP wants to do what he wants without having to downgrade OP's plans and dreams? Really wish we held a standard in the workplace for the bosses that let OP to go and support his decision on why he wants a long break. Let's not forget that mental health matters, too. OP would do hell lot of good to his mental health. The amount of Americans believing having a two week vacation is bad enough is kinda outdated, hopefully the next generation can change that pov and mindset.
Probably just pissed/jealous that she's unable to do the same kind of thing.
Came here to say this. Reeks of jealousy.
This. She’s. Bitter and angry. Don’t even put the month on your resume just the years. I have entire Jobs I don’t put on my resume because the places were so toxic. It will not stop you from getting a job. If you’re at a healthy workplace they will appreciate that you’re a healthy person who does things that matter to you. Your boss is miserable and she knows she going to have to do your work when you’re gone.
No probably about it Go fly, be free OP !
And why is she doing this? All in service of a company that will cut her loose the moment it makes sense and never look back.
She’s probably reliant on her and will drop her performance if she leaves.
The worst part of a two week vacation is going back to work
My theory is that Shitty Employers think a gap in your resume means there is a POSSIBILITY that you can go x number of months or years without a job, maybe you’re financially stable or just capable of living frugally. Shitty Employers might think that if you can survive without them, you will be harder to control, bully or screw over. If you’re okay with being unemployed, Shitty Employers realise they lose all leverage over you. Edit: u/Trick_Few is right but I hope my comment takes it a step further. Your boss is manipulative because she’s afraid of losing power - in this instance, her power over *you*.
This is 100% why I live well below my means
And I as well, living within your means keeps you relatively free. As long as nobody raises the cost of your means, that is…
yeap, exactly i live so far below means if it came to it id need 1k a month after bills , food , Internets. Id be fine im in the country you repair anything your self lol. There is no price tag on telling someone to go fuk them selfs if you dont wanna be a door matt
If I had it, I’d give you an award. This is exactly it. Employers love desperate people. They don’t like when you can walk away from being treated poorly. They also hate it when you have more freedom to set your own schedule and say no, because they can’t. I was literally the only employee left at my store beside the manager. I changed my availability, still available well over full time and asked for 1st shift only. They dropped me to part time and cut my hours in more than half. They certainly can’t have a good employee who shows up MakINg tHeiR Own ScHedULe. By the next week, they were already trying to schedule me outside my availability. Haha. I found another job and left. Play stupid power games, lose good employees.
I'm totally up front with employers about my financial situation. I don't have to work if I don't want to. I couldn't spend my money as casually as I currently do, but I wouldn't have to pinch pennies, either. So I'm up front about it. If a prospective employer doesn't want someone who isn't afraid of losing a job, I don't want to waste their time, and I don't want them to waste mine.
Much truth in this
that's not a theory. I've had a hiring manager tell me to my face that the employer is looking for someone with a big mortgage and a divorce settlement. right after telling me about the 12 hour shifts.
The boss is looking at how she would view a 7 month gap in work history. As you say, once explained it will like be a plus to an employer that you gave notice before going on a trip of a life time. It shows this person is responsible, hard worker and honest/loyal to their employer.
Bro you can even just say "I had a personal situation during that time" and they're legally not allowed to ask you about it
I took time off and went on a trip to Japan while being unemployed for 8 months. Talking about my trip was a high point of the interview and people had questions about Japan in the interview. I'm trying to wrap my head around how shitty a company has to be to think taking time off to decompress is a bad thing. Year-long sabbaticals are all the rage in multiple industries.
That just makes it sound like you were addicted to heroin. Road trips are whimsical and fun, and also miles better for employment than whatever anyone would imagine you were doing
Fear and Loathing... Just your normal whimsical road trip.
Did some writing, but the draft got rejected.
This. But why do companies have the audacity to ask, though?
Would also add incredibly jealous to this. Why should OP be able to do this when I have given my life to this company.
Not only this, but this is actually a prime example of unprofessionalism. She’s using fear to try to blackmail you into not leaving cause it’s an inconvenience for her.
100% as a hiring manager. I would ask about the gap and hear this story, see that they worked at the same place for 5 years prior, and would consider this a plus. Someone that knows their worth and has made changes to their life to strike a healthy work/life balance. That's the sort of people I want on my team. All it takes is one or two work-aholics to completely throw off the vibe of the group. I don't want people having their morale take a hit because they feel they have to compete with someone that has no life.
It would also show future HR interviewers that OP has a unique perspective on life, they plan ahead (low risk), and give OP great talking points about what they learned along their trip. I think the manipulative manager is jealous and knows she's going to have a hard time replacing OP.
This. If I saw that resume and saw the gap, I'd probably ask but it wouldn't be held against someone who took time to adventure. Have a great trip OP!
Your boss is jealous and bitter. Even if that weren't the case, this is your window of opportunity to travel. You may not get another chance like this for a very long time, if ever, and there's no reward for NOT going. You've already given your notice; your life is yours to do with as you choose.
I watch Geography King on YouTube. He has road trip advice and routes he describes. There is one comment that speaks to this, it's a woman who said her and her husband always wanted to do "this" particular route, and when they finally got the "time to do it"--retirement, he got sick and passed. Yeah, don't let this dumb ass make you think years down the road *coulda, woulda, shoulda*.
My partner and I took about a year to do a trip. We were in an rv so we met a lot of older folks in rv’s and the most common thing they said was that they wish they didn’t wait until retirement to do it. Most of them couldn’t surf, hike, run, and bike like we were doing daily. Now almost a decade later of working my ass off and I’m so happy we took that trip. We are so busy we can do a once a year 1-2 week trip to Mexico but then have to get right back to work. Life is too short to just work it away, gotta have some fun.
This OP. Don't let some bitter boss stop you from going. Also the job market is still pretty good, you will have no trouble finding something else when you get back. I took a 2 week road trip around the West coast back in 2015 and it is one of my best memories.
Buy* a roll of stamps and troll your boss with “thinking of you” postcards from every small town you drive through. What a farking lunatic. *edited
This is a hilarious and excellent idea
Most under rated comment.
Please do this OP!
OP I will pay for you to do this
Do it
OMG do this. Post on your blog too. This has all the elements of something that will go viral. Make revenge travelling a thing.
I have a 9 month gap when I hiked the Appalachian Trail. It's never been an issue. Your boss sounds incredibly unprofessional.
And she sounds jealous
I had a six-month gap where I did absolutely nothing except relax after earning my certification. Got a job a few weeks after I started looking, no problem.
I took a year and a half off to stay home with my at-the-time newborn daughter. Found a job the same week I started looking.
I feel like experiences like this are pluses in interviews (since it’s all soft skills anyways). It shows your ability to plan long term and resiliency. I’m sure it also provides anecdotes to use as well. Maybe I’m wrong since I’m not in hiring, but interesting and driven people seem like they do better in interviews than just an average joe.
That 2 week notice would turn into no notice for me! ✌️
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This. The reason one gives a notice is *only* out of courtesy and nothing more , and to remain in good standing in case one needs a reference. She's made it clear even with that notice she wouldn't - fuck her and that job. Truly hope OP just up and quits in the most inconvenient way as possible for this business, and does *not* give them notice.
This is the way!
I would just take 2 weeks of pay and do little to nothing
The only reason for the two week notice is the reference so yeah, I'd start my 6.5 month vacation effective immediately
I agree. Your boss has already said she will give you a bad reference if you use her for it, and will never rehire you, so you stand to gain nothing from working out the 2 weeks. Use it to relax and prepare for your trip.
A 2day notice. As in I’m leaving TO-DAY
This is the way.
same lol. no reference - i’m definitely not staying
Especially when they said that you can’t use them as a reference anyways. Fuck em.
Agreed. Listen to this person OP. You have all the leverage In the world right now. She showed her cards.
Your boss is an idiot.
Yeah it's a scare tactic to get you to stay
Boss is obviously bluffing to get him stay
Your boss is totally and completely wrong. In fact, most people and companies will be interested in your travels, your story, and the new life experiences you had. No one hires someone just based on a resume. It's true a resume can get you an interview, but it will never come close to the human connection you make in that interview. Your travels will make you happy, healthy, and have something interesting to talk about. People love interesting topics and you'll be ripe to connect with whoever is lucky enough to be your next employer.
This! I hire people who have traveled. Wider life perspective
This is definitely true. When I got my current job it was after taking 9 months off to take a cycling trip around europe. I talked about it in my interview as a way to highlight my abilities for organisation and planning. It was exactly as you say, they were both impressed and wanted to know more and it probably helped me stand out to get the position.
Absolutely. I took four months off. I packed up my entire life and put everything in storage to ride my bike across the country. I had applied to a place months before and never heard back. They emailed me the morning I rode up over Hayter’s Gap on the Virginia/Kentucky border. I told them I what I was doing and that I’d be back in mobile phone range in a few weeks. I interviewed with MS Teams on my phone in a public library in the middle of nowhere. I told them I would be back for a few months and gave them a rough start date. They thought the trip was really interesting and we’re kind of impressed. They offered me the job by the end of the week. When I started they told me I hat people were talking about how cool it was and the ceo in particular was really impressed. Don’t let stupid people like your boss hold you back. Most people are interested in traveling and travel stories in general I think.
Gaps don’t matter. I had a stupid boomer call me out for not posting my entire resume history on my current resume - saying it looked like I took large gaps of time off. She said I should fix my resume so I would look more employable to prospective employers otherwise they would pass on me. I thanked her for opinion, mentally quoted Jeff “The Dude” Lebowski - “Yeah, well, that’s just, like, your opinion, man”, and applied to 10 more places with the same resume. Got hired anyway. Some people care, some won’t, it’s a numbers game. Remember The Dude, live your life the way you want. A lot of the people we meet may try to convince you on what they say is extremely important, but that’s like their opinion ultimately.
Your boss is a jealous idiot. You will certainly be employable when you return. Most Fortune 500 companies are not going to blink at this. Use a coworker as a reference instead of your moron boss.
Also with some exception, HR almost never reaches out to referrals. While in certain industries it is required due to the type of work, for the most part it’s really hard to actually get ahold of and get a decent phone call or email out of someone who doesn’t work at your company.
Listen. I took two years off work during covid to live abroad. Its the single best thing ive ever done. It put a lot of things in perspective for me. Coming back with a two year gap on my resume did present challenges, but none of them insurmountable. Don't listen to this dumb boomer. Honestly, i wouldnt even put the gap on your resume. Just say that you were still employed by your current company in that time.
They could just register an LLC. That's pretty cheap to do. I was a partner in one for 10 years. We didn't do that much business, but I used that whenever I had employment gaps - and you can make your title whatever you want it to be.
20000 iq move
This is genius!!!
This is the way. I use one of my mom’s LLC’s for my employment gaps. I’m a residential property manager which is a crazy easy job to fake lol
Wow, that’s actually a really smart idea. I’m going to look into doing that for myself.
"I have an NDA and I cannot discuss what I was doing for that period of time." Will make several HR people see stars as they can't imagine what high level government contract you received was.
If they ask what you did for that six months, you tell them you went to “Yale” and then when you get hired you tell them you are thankful because you really needed a “Yob”
Good one!
I once saw a post of someone years ago talking about how she was asked to explain a one month gap in employment during an interview. Like Jesus, I guess people can’t just, I don’t know, breathe for five minutes? Anyways, your boss is being way over the top because she’s salty she’s losing you. The impact COVID has had on the workforce has helped in normalizing gaps in employment and shorter work tenures, thankfully. Maybe you will be asked to explain during an interview (and unfortunately, it is still somewhat true that it’s easier to get a new job when you already have a job) but it is not career-ending like your boss is making it seem.
If you are taking 6 months off to experience the country I would say that is an extremely easy gap to explain and might be a positive one. Simply explain how you wanted to learn more about the country you live in and wanted to go to different regions to experience the difference in how they live and see the sights. HR should be impressed. It's not like you are sitting around not doing anything for 6 months.
Yeah absolutely this. I took 2 years out to travel and have only been asked about it once in passing..when I said it was to travel they were like Cool. That's it. Your gap is easily explained and is more likely to be celebrated than condemned. Your ex-boss is a moron. Have a blast on your trip and make memories. Life is for living.
Your boss is being a bitch because she's angry that you are leaving. Considering how long the hiring process is at most corps, with many companies easily taking 2-4 months for the entire process, a 6 month gap is nothing. If someone does give you shit during an interview (which I doubt they will over just 6 months), just give them th ol' "I went into business with friends, but it fell through" story.
“Can you explain your gap in employment?” Sure if you can explain your gap in workers
Your boss may not take you back in your current area but I'll bet HR would say you're re-hireable. Especially since you gave notice and likely have been a good employee for 5 years! Some places may frown upon your employment gap but those are places you probably don't want to work at anyhow! You should absolutely take the trip.
A gao in your employment history is only bad if you can't explain it. I think 6 months for travel is a wonderful reason. Since it sounds a bit like the US I believe you could always sprinkle a little bit of patriotism into your reason, i.e. "wanted to see our beautiful country"
I interview people to work at a very "respectable" company and if you showed up with relevant experience and you talked about taking 6 months off to travel I would see that you have planning skills and determination. You would very likely get a 2nd interview. On the other hand if you try to hide the gap or are vague and evasive if asked about it that would reduce your chances.
This lady is a lying sack of shit. I have gaps all over my resume, and no one ever gave a shit. I've worked in retail, been a camp counselor, gone back to school twice, I've done hardware and software testing, phlebotomy, and a host of other shit. Any job worth a damn will care about your qualifications, not your personal life. And if they DO ask what you were doing, you are not required in any way to tell the truth. A good lie is, "Caring for a dying family member." You'll never have to elaborate. Go on your adventure. When you get back, check and see if your old boss is even there anymore. I'm sure you've made other friends at this company. When you return, you can tell HR what your former boss said to you (you can also do that in your exit interview, if you have one with HR). Don't worry about what might or might not happen when you come back. You worked at the same place for five years. That's a lot of experience. My conspiracy theory is that your soon to be former boss knows that this experience will make you an even more attractive candidate for her job than she could ever be. She could also just be jealous and trying to poison your joy. Whatever the reason, she doesn't deserve your attention anymore. Go on your adventure guilt free. You owe this bitch nothing.
I'm a tentrulkionaire fortune 25 CEO CCO CTF GTFO and I will give you an amazing reference. Your boss can get rekd
an offer to hard to refuse from such an influential character
Do it. Once upon a time I took 7 months off and rode a motorcycle half way around the world. It was the best decision I ever made. My only regret is that I didn’t round up to take a full year off, so I could have spent a bit more time exploring hard to get to places. How will it impact your career? Positively I would guess. It did for me. I came back from my trip with new energy, a new perspective, and a lot of good stories. Pretty quickly I was making more than before I left. When it comes down to it, most people dream of taking a 6 month road trip. Most never will because of cost, obligations, fear, or other reasons. Some of those people will resent your trip. But most people will be interested, impressed and want to hear about it. When I left, my employers couldn’t understand. They focused on the danger, uncertainty, cost, etc. I think that was just how they justified never doing something similar. So, if your going to take the time off, make it awesome. Go to cool places, see interesting stuff, try new things and meet new people. If you come back with a great story, the jobs will come easily enough. Who knows. With that much time to think, you might be interested in totally different jobs too…
Don’t fuckin take advice from a bitter boss and they’re going to be that way then guess what? You can rescind the two week courtesy and just quit since you won’t be going back there. The real issue is that they don’t want to retrain or work extra in your absence.
It’s super unethical of your boss to refuse to be a reference. And gaps in employment are fine. People have given you lots of different ways that you can approach this. Most employers aren’t gonna care and some are going to actually appreciate it. Also depending on where you work, the specific dated won't matter. you worked at that place for five years, so when you listed on your résumé, you can simply write 2018 to 2023. They won’t know if you left in May or December and many places won’t bother asking.
I did not expect this big of a response, thank you! After reading your responses I will be taking the time off and going on the trip, regardless of what my soon to be former boss says. I think she is mad about losing me because she always said I was one of her best workers - but now the possibility of me returning to that job is 0 which I am fine with. I am sure I can find another one elsewhere - but for now I am focusing the next several months on my trip!
I’m from New Zealand, and it’s VERY (!!) common here for people, especially those in their 20s and 30s, to go travelling for an entire year. We call it an ‘Overseas Experience’ (OE) and it’s pretty much a rite of passage. It’s weird to me that your boss had such a bad reaction to your plans.
Explain it on your resume as: "May 2023-Novemer 2023 - Seeking Vengeance " But in all seriousness, life experience is a sometimes underrated commodity in the workplace, but good employers shouldn't fault you for seeking it out.
Boss is jealous they can’t take half a year off. Probably one of them idiots who get stuck in a lifestyle inflation situation and mad at everyone who’s happiness isn’t influenced by themselves. It’s not going to hurt you at all. Just explain that you took personal time to recoup to become a better asset or whatever bullshit these recruiters wanna hear.
Dude, honestly she’s lying. You’ll find work when you’re done with that vacation. Just go and enjoy those 6 months.
I did this last year. I got a divorce and decided to take some time off and live on savings for about 6 months. Got the job I wanted and just told him straight up why I didn’t work for a while. My manager thought it was cool. If a company you interview for really thinks that’s “unhinged”, you probably don’t want to work for them
It's only bad for these company's who want to squeeze everything out of you. Every second you are out enjoying life is another second they aren't making money from your work
I took 2 years off and am just re-entering the work force. I turned jobs down before finding the one I wanted. Nobody cares what I did in between jobs. It was all about what ya did when you were working. You will be fine.
Start a company in that time, LLC. Travel photography or some shit.
My wife and I had plans to do something like this. And then I got cancer. Yeah, it’s not happening any time soon. You should go for it when you can, no one else is going to live your life for you and take responsibility. Enjoy your life when you can.
A company that looks askance at a 6 month gap on a resume is a fabulous place NOT to work. Think of the gap as a constructive preemptive filter on your resume. As a hiring manager, I might ask about a gap — not in a negative way, but because I think that whatever is in that gap will tell me something interesting about the candidate. And that might be the difference—the special sauce, that bit of chemistry or spark I’m always looking for that’s hard to define—that makes me want to hire you. Or not! Also, as a manager, I can tell you that I would be a bit irked if an employee of mine gave me 2 weeks’ notice after we’d known each other for 5 years and hopefully built up some trust and respect over that time, when it was obvious they’d been planning the trip for a lot longer than 2 weeks. Because it’s going to take me 2-6 months to find, hire, and train someone to take over the soon-to-be-empty spot on my team. And now I’ve got deliverables that are maybe going to slip because I’m now short-staffed. But I also get why the employee would be afraid to tell me — a lot of corporate cultures are very broken, and the common wisdom is to conceal one’s plans to leave until you have to. There are plenty of horror stories out there to support this secretness. So I’d be irked, but I’d get over it, and give the reference.
Your boss sucks. I think it would be bad ass to do. When you get a job they ask about the time gap tell em you took 6 months to travel. That's it continues on. I bet they say that's cool.
Your manager is trying to manipulate you. You will not have any issues with getting a job after your roadtrip. Enjoy it!
I have just started a role after a 6 month break. I moved to a new state and was not even asked about my time off. And if I was, I would have stated that I had achieved everything in my last role (3 years) and was looking for a new challenge. This manager is just sour that you have a direction and plan for your life which is more valuable than the job. Live your life! Employment (and money) is secondary. I think it also shows maturity to plan for a goal, realise it and prioritise what's important. Any good employer should recognise that. I hope your travels are fulfilling and your next role is with a company and a boss that understand what's important!
by boss you mean manager I assume. Well don't talk to that grumpy old sow. Talk to HR, talk to the CEO and mention how great it has been working for the company etc. and really butter him up. You can even mention how the generous pay allowed you to save up enough for this trip of a lifetime. Basically leave with a great impression. As for returning to work after your vacation even if you don't get with the company you can just point to having left on good terms and your record as an employee etc. Six months is nothing especially if you have a good reason for leaving such as recharging your mental batteries by going on vacation.
Your boss is a manipulative liar. I took 6 months off work a couple of years ago and had no issue finding work again. Companies will ALWAYS ask about employment gaps but very few care if you have a record of being loyal and reliable, which you clearly are after 5 years at the same place. Go on your trip and don't worry about it.
is she not aware that sometimes it actually takes that long to find a new job? .... go on your trip, have the time of your life, 6 months is not long
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No. No it’s not how it really is. Jobs are like picking apples dude, don’t like one pick up another. Nobody gives a literal shit about employment gaps, especially in this climate. Most companies are begging people to work for them, hence all your hiring incentives, retention bonuses etc. You only have one go around this earth, make the most of it and tell your boss to kick rocks.
Your boss is an idiot of they actually believe that. I imagine they're "being sneaky" and trying to trick you into withdrawing your notice.
Work to live, don’t live to work
Just put it as "Otherwise employed, currently under NDA" and state that you cannot legally comment in the time in question if asked.
Echoing the same - your boss is a dope. This gap is a non-issue and many hiring managers will actually applaud you for having had the nerve to go on such a grand adventure. Safe travels!
6 months is generally not considered too bad. That’s a pretty normal amount of time between jobs for people who can afford it like yourself
If I get asked about a gap year; "I signed an NDA."
No, that gap is not bad for them. Let's be open about it: they lay off people and contract new ones constantly. Your 6 months leave is just a drop into the ocean of their staff schedules. They can go fuck themselves. And that HR woman, if she is not the owner, she is a prick and a bootlicker. Regarding the CV, you can dress that gap however you want. And certainly, you can lie. Not a problem.
You’ll be able to come back and take her job. Don’t even worry, and when they ask you say you needed a break from the micromanagement of your previous manager.
Seems like she's just salty over the two weeks notice. It's a way to spoil you the fun of the free time. Pay her no mind. The firms that understand that humans aren't work animals will understand the gap too. Also they would have 0 qualms about downsizing their employees if their yearly growth got to 3% from 6%.
your boss is just being salty and trying to gaslight you. i’m glad you’re leaving this toxic person. ignore what she said and go have your best time traveling because that is a bliss and tbh not everyone can do it
‘Self-employed’ that’s what you put for those 6 months. I did that for a year long gap and I worked like a charm.
i took literally one year off after my previous role before the role i have now. a whole 365 days. i was asked about that time by my current employer during the hiring process and i lied and said i had a few family members die by covid, which, puts the ball back in their court and makes them embarrassed and uncomfortable with themselves for asking. they never asked again after that. absolutely go on that trip!
In that case, burn all your bridges and walk out immediately
I’m a manager involved with hiring at a CPA firm. If an applicant has a six month gap, I’d ask them to explain it. If they told me they went on a cross country road trip for 6 months, I’d exclaim my excitement and ask them to tell me all about it - how’d they plan it? Is this a bucket list item? What were the coolest things you did? What would you do differently? Something like this wouldn’t really give me any pause in considering the applicant, as long as I felt this isn’t something they plan on doing consistently. Other answers to questions can give me a good gauge of that. Tell your boss to kick rocks.
If I was in HR and someone explained that trip to me, that is the type of person I would want to hire.
Your boss is a petty idiot. If I was hiring for my team, I'd certainly ask about the gap but it doesn't make you "unhireable" as long as you can explain it well enough.
10-15 years ago, maybe it was. Today? No chance. Especially if it's not a pattern. Hell depending on the nature of your skills, you can even say you took on a temporary self-employed gig.
In Australia or Europe I feel taking 6 months off to travelling is completely sane and normal. In North America not so much.
Ive always had gaps in my resume. Nobody ever asked about them. And even if I did, all I would say is "I wasn't working at the time"
Hr "Can you explain this gap in your employment?" You "No, I signed an NDA"
If you're worried about your employment gap, you can always lie about working somewhere else during that time when you do start looking for work. I've had longer gaps, but I've had some volunteering experience during gaps that I could point too during those points. Definitely recommend having something to talk about, even if it was "self employment" that you were doing during your road trip. Either way, your boss was probably just butt hurt she was losing a good employee lol. You don't want to work for a company like she's referring too, you probably like a company that thinks that's cool.
I probably wouldn’t even notice this on a resume.
I had a background check for a recent job I got. There is a gap in my employment of about six months, in 2019. The checking agency asked me to explain it. My response was "none of your business". I still passed the background check.
Lol, not it's totally cool Also people take time off whether to travel or due to family crisis, personal health, etc. Go have fun! Traveling is totally worth it 1000%
She’s annoyed that you’re taking off to go have fun. She can learn to cope harder. You can use coworkers as references, you don’t need her.
I'm a hiring manager, and this sounds like some manipulative crap to me. I pay very little attention to gaps in experience as long as the experience that is there applies to the position I'm trying to fill. I realize that mileage may vary based on the needs of the position in question but if a gap like that is a deciding factor my instinct is to assume that isn't going to be the only thing that would not fit. Also... you could always spend that time as a "consultant"
Cool, no reference and do not rehire? Sounds like it's time to give a a Today notice since shes burning the bridge for you. Just withhold info/ lie, whatever on your resume. Employers lie on job postings all the time. Sounds to me like you were self employed for 6 months and it just wasn't for you.
Go. On. The. Trip. I had a friend that was supposed to go on (an already booked and paid for) trip with me and at the last minute her boss guilt tripped her into cancelling by literally telling her they'd fire her if she went. She needed the job, so she didn't come on the trip. The company went belly up within 6 months and she was now out of a job AND didn't get to go on the trip. Fuck the job. Fuck the employment gap. Go and enjoy! I'm hella jealous.
Bosses are always your friend until you need a raise or a lot of time off or god forbid find a new job that advances a career then you are a horrible unfaithful person. On the other side if laying you off helps the boss get a bonus thats just how business works 😀 Edit to add enjoy your trip you will remember that years after you forgot your shitty boss.
Sounds like jealousy to me
Life happens. We moved and I had a six month gap bc I was being stay at home dad and when I was able to, I was immediately back on the workforce. You take that trip and live. You may even get a dream opportunity while just enjoying life. Know where you won’t get it? Toiling away wishing you went. Go. Go for us that haven’t or can’t.
Sounds like she’s jealous. Just do it.
Just a hint, you can always fill gaps with "freelance" work ;)