[DerekQ]

Ask for a three month Sabbatical. If you've been working for a company for some time and have done well there, you might be surprised how eager they are for you not to leave outright. The reason for the Sabbatical? Have a couple of ideas in your head if you feel the need to explain yourself, but don't say burnout:

Trip around the world, meditation retreat, extra-tech study, family reasons, whatever.

And of course, have your mind made up in case the answer is no. Make it clear that you've decided to take the time off regardless, but would really like to return to work for them in three months.

I've done this very thing myself. 2-3 months off, going part-time, etc. The cost of losing your experience and abilities down the road usually out-weighs any short term difficulties it presents to the company.