[stocktech]

fwiw, I'm currently ending ~6mo of time off. I'm further in my career, 15 YOE and in management. I didn't plan this and only did it as a result of joining a toxic startup.

The time off itself was great. I struggled to get away from needing to feel productive, but did explore some new tech and played some games. I would recommend a small break to anyone.

You would think being in management would make reentry harder, but I got a good pay bump and switched industries. The market is definitely hot. I also didn't get questioned about my time off. I framed it as "taking care of family" and that was the end of it.

I tell this to my newbies too - make sure you're developing good work habits. If this break is the result of the pandemic, do it. But if you're doing it to get away from work after only a few years of experience, be careful because unsustainable work habits don't go away.