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by kovacs_x 1806 days ago
As a person who's done that (3x ~1 year, 3x ~3-6 months "gaps" with total 20+ years experience as well), my simple answer is- yes, do it. Every other day you're only thinking on it is a loss for you!

As for me- I travelled quite a bit, completed a game project 5 years in a making, read some books, watched lot of movies, after last one of these "vacations" moved from permanent employment to freelance, to be able to have more time "in between". Not too positive on returning "pemanent" anymore. :D

I'd say- plan for it. Leave place for unexpected, but build a list of things you want to accomplish (for yourself, for your family, for people around you, ...), this way it'll feel more meaningful afterwards.

ps. afterwards You'll be same, but different, so it doesn't make much sense trying to hypothesize about that. Just do it! :D

ps. in CV you can always list it as a "gap year" & add some projects / hackatons you did during that time.

1 comments

Thanks for the encouragement! I agree, its absolutely important to plan for it, not only for yourself, but for family and friends. This is one of the keys to it being a successful time off. I am of the slight suspicion that I might not want to get back to being permanent anymore like you. If you did move to freelance, may I ask how you handle health insurance for you and family? Or are you not in the US? :)
nope, not in the US.