How much time off can I reasonably take between jobs?
With RTO and everything else that's going on, I've realized that Amazon is not a suitable place to stay. I've been applying and interviewing for new positions but truthfully, I'm a little bit burned out and want to take some time after I receive an offer before I start.
If I have an offer in hand, how much time off can I reasonably delay the start date before it becomes too much? I know this sort of depends on if I'm signing with a startup or another big tech company, etc.
Also wanted to ask if I should just use all my PTO days now. I'm currently using them if I have an interview but not sure if I should just use them all at once if I sign an offer or start to use them for days even when I don't have an interview. Thanks!
Discussion
(2 comments)- 210 days agoTech Lead/Manager at Meta, Pinterest, Kosei
When I left Pinterest to join Facebook, I told the recruiter I'd start more than a month later. (I believe it was 5 weeks between signing the offer and starting the job.) This gave me ample time to give 2-weeks notice, take some time off, and then start the new job feeling excited.
In California (and several other states), you will get paid out for unused PTO. So you don't need to "time" the PTO you have, since it'll get paid out when you leave, almost like a bonus.
If you want extra chill time, or want to extend things like your health insurance or benefits, you could take PTO while still technically employed at your current company. Just be careful that you don't damage your reputation, e.g. you take 2 weeks during a critical project, and then annouce that you're leaving the company as soon as you come back.
- 1
8 days agoTech Lead @ Robinhood, Meta, Course HeroEmployment gaps primarily hurt you when you don't have another job lined up as you will be viewed at with skepticism about your rust. If you have an offer lined up, I think having even a 2-3 month gap is okay if you are really burnt out and need the time to unwind.
The main problem with having a big gap is the risk of your offer getting rescinded. It's way easier to cut off an employee before they start compared to after they start, so you should only have a big gap if you really trust the hiring manager and company you have an offer from.
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