I am leaving a high-paying corporate job to volunteer for a bit (personal relations to current geopolitical issues)...I don't want to take time off for volunteer because i) I plan to leave this firm anyways (highly toxic) and ii) I don't know how much time I will be back.

Anonymous

July 7,2022 at 7:52PM UTC

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I am leaving a high-paying corporate job to volunteer for a bit (personal relations to current geopolitical issues)...I don't want to take time off for volunteer because i) I plan to leave this firm anyways (highly toxic) and ii) I don't know how much time I will be back.

Would this negatively impact future job application processes if I say I'm unemployed but am volunteering full-time. Have some freelance gigs I've been doing for a few yrs. that I can possibly mention.

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Joan Williams, Senior Talent Acquisition SpecialistJuly 7,2022 at 8:54PM UTC
You can say you're taking a personal sabbatical.
Kristie WhiteJuly 7,2022 at 8:56PM UTC
Your free-lance gigs will help. I would position it as you worked freelance from X to X in order to obtain schedule flexibility to volunteer for a cause that meant a lot to you. I would also expect to mention the cause, though you shouldn't have to give any details. You have stopped working, you changed your lifestyle to work for a cause you are passionate about. No shame.
AnonymousJuly 8,2022 at 1:00PM UTC
I think your taking time off to volunteer shows strength of character and determination. Does the volunteer role showcase any job-related responsibilities? If so, you might wish to include it in your resume.
Also structure your resume to show your freelance work (if relevant), as well as your corporate employment.