[bsvalley]

From experience, here's a few things you need to know:

- the job market is horrible in 2017, too many people are applying and the competition is crazy. Especially if you've been unemployed for a little while it'll be a red flag.

- make sure to include annual expenses in your budget when you look at your savings as your only source of income. Taxes, registrations, potential health issues, unexpected bills, etc.

- taking a break is amazing, being unemployed after your break is very stressful and can sometimes be humiliating. No one will take you seriously, unless you've spent your time trying to build a company or things like that.

- make sure your professional network is very strong because you'll need referrals to get back on a W2. It's that bad right now...

[catch22222]

Maybe I'm not paying enough attention but seems programmers are very much in demand. I also live in a big tech hub and have very employable skills on my resume, so not too worried that I won't be able to find another job in a reasonable amount of time should I choose to. I suppose everything could collapse during my break and there truly won't be jobs when I'm looking again, but thats a risk I'm willing to take.

[thoughtpalette]

I've experienced quite the opposite. Quit my last job due to internal conflicts w/o a backup and rode saving's for a month. Was confident the entire time.

This is obviously super personal in regards to tech/location.

It's not all doom and gloom.