Is it ok to take a year off in your 50's?

61 Comments

1. AnonymousOctober 24,2023 at 6:40PM UTC

   Honestly, unless I could afford to be done for good, to retire early, I wouldn't. As much as we'd like to think it is not the case, ageism is alive and well and I fear if you were to take a year off now, you are going to find the struggle significantly worse than if you were 20 years younger. Does your current employer offer any sort of extended leave, sabbatical or whatever? Are you doing anything at all to find another position?

2. AnonymousOctober 24,2023 at 6:45PM UTC

   I'm 66 (soon to be 67) and am a great example of living on my terms. I was just offered a new opportunity (was planning to retire) so I'm taking it, working from home and will now retire at 70. Don't let fear guide you.

3. AnonymousNovember 1,2023 at 8:05PM UTC

   This is 100% dependent on your field. You are an example of someone who works in a high demand field that supports remote work so you have greater options to live on your terms. I'm happy for you! However, this is not the reality for the vast majority of people working in other fields. People should very much let reality guide them. The OP may decide the current job is so bad she'll figure out another way to get to retirement or she may decide to ride it out rather than face not being able to find a job in her field. I would hope she makes that decision with eyes wide open for her reality.

4. AnonymousOctober 24,2023 at 6:42PM UTC

   Many things can happen to the best plans so I'm always in favor of living for now. You've been diligent and hard working the better part of your life so I vote for taking a breath and enjoying a nice break. You are fortunate that you can do that.

5. AnonymousOctober 26,2023 at 10:11PM UTC

   My dad dropped dead shortly after retiring at 70 and living extremely frugally to put away money for his retirement. There are no guarantees in life.

6. AnonymousOctober 24,2023 at 6:50PM UTC

   Wow, this is exactly how I feel. I've found myself more and more wishing I could retire already. I can afford to take a break before actually retiring but I fear that it would be too hard to find another job as an older adult after such a break. That said, I'm trying to think of another way to earn income that doesn't involve the corporate grind. It feels like I've "done my time" in this world and if I can figure that part out, I'll happily step aside for others that still have that passion in them. Mine has steadily left the building since hitting 50s.

7. AnonymousOctober 24,2023 at 9:13PM UTC

   Have you considered starting a "side hustle" that could morph into a full-time gig? It could be a short consulting gig, or direct sales, just to put your "feet in the water."

8. Sheila PhieldsOctober 25,2023 at 12:13PM UTC

   I did it. I was part of The Great Resignation. I left my job of 13 years when I was 52 for many reasons that had been escalating over the years. I quickly found a consulting position that paid nearly double what I had been making. I completed the contract and took 5 months off. I’d never taken any amount of time like that off in 30 years. While I wish I could have enjoyed the time more traveling, etc., it was still wonderful to have a break. I’m a FTE again with a growing company, great boss, great salary and benefits. I got lucky. I encourage the break. You never know where it may lead.

9. AnonymousOctober 25,2023 at 12:15PM UTC

   Wow...this is great.

10. AnonymousOctober 26,2023 at 10:00PM UTC

    Loved your energy and mindset. A change may lead to something great that you would not have found otherwise. Thanks for being fearless!

11. Ally MorganOctober 25,2023 at 12:19PM UTC

    You're in my brain right now. I'm 47. Complete burn out from 20+ years in the legal field. My thoughts feel so irresponsible. My brain and body physically scream NO MORE at this point though. A break would be life changing. I wish you luck and I hope this pans out for you!!

12. Chynise CunninghamOctober 25,2023 at 12:34PM UTC

    I would talk to a therapist or your primary care physician about taking a leave of absence using FMLA and short term disability to take off and refresh for the 12 weeks. Perhaps that amount of time could help you deal with your job better. Also, doing that will ensure you still have your benefits, salary and job security during your leave.

13. AnonymousOctober 25,2023 at 12:40PM UTC

    It has to do with your field. I’m still getting calls from recruiters for fully remote work - I’m over 60 and I’ve only worked 8 months a year for the last 5 years. I also make more than I did when I was a permanent employee. Two horrible working experiences at two different organizations forced me into this direction, and it was the best thing that has happened to me!

14. AnonymousOctober 25,2023 at 1:06PM UTC

    Curious how you managed to do that? I’m 61 and also tired of the corporate grind (have been in marketing). The health insurance issue is the one thing that stops me from making a change as I’m obviously not eligible for Medicare yet.

15. AnonymousOctober 25,2023 at 9:26PM UTC

    Good question, and I may run into the insurance issue myself. So, I work through contracting companies - they have benefits. And on my “breaks,” I go on my husband’s insurance. But, he is a few years older than me and just hit retirement age. If he retires, I’ll have to look at ACA. It’s pretty expensive for me to be on his insurance now, so hopefully it’s not any worse. Shameful that our healthcare depends on employment status. If this wasn’t an issue, I’d have went out completely on my own by now.

    In some ways, it’s a little uncomfortable, but overall, my contracting experience has been a good one. I’m keeping my eyes open for something part time - I’ve seen a few recently.

16. AnonymousOctober 25,2023 at 2:49PM UTC

    Same here....two horrible working experiences at two different orgs. 11mos at one and 13mos and counting at the other. thank you for the thoughtful reply.

17. AnonymousOctober 25,2023 at 9:42PM UTC

    It was a horrible experience - I’m sorry you went through that, too. I’m still not back to the person I was before those jobs.

    I can’t go back to that grind - I need time to do stuff for me without looking like a job-hopper. Best way to do this right now, is to work through a contracting company, where the expectation is that I’m not a permanent employee. I do my job, and I’m paid hourly, so I stop at 5. The only thing I cannot get around is health insurance. I could make enough to live, without the grind, if I didn’t have to worry about that.

18. Leader135412October 25,2023 at 12:42PM UTC

    Just be careful, if you take a year off your job might not be there when your ready to go back. And finding a job in your 50's , well that's an uncertainty. I'm 59 and like the little train that could, I'm chugging along on the present track till retirement.

19. Heather (she/her)October 25,2023 at 12:59PM UTC

    There are a lot of "it depends" things to consider here. Are you in a high-level role? Do you want to be able to return to that high-level role or one like it? Are you in an extremely competitive industry? Will you spend the year off doing something to benefit your future plans, and can you market that to your benefit when it's time to reenter the workforce? Are you financially prepared to be without a paycheck if you can't find other work? Can you afford to take a lower-level position when you return if you face ageism in hiring?

20. Melissa HacheyOctober 25,2023 at 1:05PM UTC

    I was feeling burned out in my very stressful job. I worked that particular role for over 20 years.

    I just started a part time job that’s completely different from my old job. I had to cut some extras from my budget, but so far I’m feeling great and enjoying my new role. I’m looking at finding a side hustle a couple of days a month for something different and go extra money. It’s a great way to keep working and ease into retirement. I could easily keep doing this kind of work to stay busy during retirement too.

21. Maggie StoneOctober 25,2023 at 1:08PM UTC

    I think a lot of this depends on your retirement outlook financially speaking. Would you lose insurance benefits? I like the suggestion that others have made that taking a temporary leave might be a good compromise, or possibly early retirement with a side hustle or consulting position.

22. maria roseOctober 25,2023 at 3:43PM UTC

    I have to agree with the comment by Maggie Stone, because being so close to getting full retirement benefits should make you slow down in this decision to take a major break from working. I am not saying that you should not take advantage of every PTO options that you have but don’t do anything that would cause you to not get/reap the benefits of working all those years. Retirement benefits can be drastically different and may be reduced drastically if you need to achieve X amount of years to achieve full benefits. I say this from experience in collecting my retirement benefits when I had the age but not the years. You should first research exactly what you will receive if you stop working now versus when you reach the required number of years. I am going to assume that you are just talking about leaving this job and wanting to change careers or work experience after you have taken this break period. Have you seriously looked at what options you will have and are you expecting to get paid at the same compensation rate as you are getting now. The job market has changed drastically since you first started working starting with how one finds positions to apply for. Despite the perception that employers are giving employees more benefits, they are also more selective in who they hire. You may have the needed skills but not the other EOC requirements. And your age will be a factor that may affect your job search because ageism is quite real however it is hidden. So think carefully before you jump off the deep end of quitting your job and have no means of supporting yourself. Now if you somehow have a support system in place that doesn’t need your income, the only option is to evaluate your satisfaction with the retirement benefits that you would receive if you retire now versus 3 years from now. It is your future life

23. AnonymousOctober 25,2023 at 2:10PM UTC

    I decided during the pandemic to set myself as a consultant. I realized in my early 60s that I could increase my income 3x by going out on my own as a consultant (legal support not an attorney) So many of my former employers had to cut back on the higher paid positions but still needed the expertise but didnt have the volume of work.This corresponded to my desire to work less. I set myself up as a consultant, and hit up a couple of my former employers for that work. I was a known quantity so they knew what they were getting. 3+ years later I work 25 hours per week and make a nice 6 figure salary (earning what some attorneys earn working 60 hours per week). I work about 9 months out of the year and we travel to see our kids and grandchildren and RV camp the rest of the off time. I'm remote so I can basically work anywhere. By thinking outside the traditional roles and career moves, I've found you can design some pretty great arrangements that companies find very attractive. These types of situations, I've found do not happen by accident but rather by design. Be flexible in your thinking and keep your goals clear so you can see possible "fits" that might put you exactly where you need to be.

24. XSOctober 26,2023 at 5:17PM UTC

    What type of consultant are you?

25. AnonymousOctober 26,2023 at 6:46PM UTC

    Senior Paralegal within the energy sector

26. AnonymousOctober 25,2023 at 2:31PM UTC

    I say if you can do it, then by all means take the time off. I am taking time off to study for a certification as the exam is difficult. I don’t want to be stuck in the current line of work, it’s admin assistant work which is thankless and dead end. Don’t let fear hinder you. Everyone has their opinions. You have plenty of options. Yes, ageism is alive and well but you can’t let it deter you. I am 52 and done with the daily corporate grind. I want to do contract and side gig work that is remote work from anywhere. Yes you may have to cut back on stuff but you may come to the realization you really don’t need it.

27. XSOctober 26,2023 at 5:15PM UTC

    How are you getting sidework and remote? I can't even get anyone to call me with an interview. I'll be 55 in December.

28. AnonymousOctober 26,2023 at 6:27PM UTC

    Check out Flexjobs. It requires a yearly membership but it’s worth it. Also recommend checking out their webinars. There are some good ones about ageism and finding a remote job. I was also told about UpWork and heard that’s another good one. I have not used that yet.

29. AnonymousOctober 26,2023 at 9:25PM UTC

    Living with less stuff is key. I am not neglecting myself but being mindful of my expenses. It requires huge efforts in a society of massive consumerism. On another note, Flexjobs has a lot of underpaid customer service jobs. Paid membership for 6 months only.

30. AnonymousOctober 25,2023 at 4:48PM UTC

    If you can afford to take a year off knowing that you might have ageism when coming back to the workforce then do it. Refreshing yourself along the way with mini vacays unstead of long ones perhaps taking every other friday for a long weekend or every other monday until your vacation runs out may do the trick in the near term and is less risky to your overall situation. Take some classes, do some yoga or other mind clearing stuff. Take time for you.

31. AnonymousOctober 25,2023 at 6:13PM UTC

    We sound close to the same age. I left a position at the end of 2022 and I am still looking. I have great skills and a great deal of specialized experience. I’ve done all the suggested things to hide my age. I’ve networked like hell. It is brutal out there for older women. Don’t jeopardize your mental health but do think critically about jumping out of the workforce.

32. AnonymousOctober 25,2023 at 7:34PM UTC

    I'm 56 and have been trying to land a job for over two years-- don't do it!! Ageism is REAL and nearly impossible to prove.

33. Alicia KretschOctober 26,2023 at 3:18PM UTC

    I agree with this unfortunately. I would love to say it would be without negative consequences, but that is not what I see. Im am of a similar age. However if you have the financial means to survive for up to a few years without employment, it might be worth consideration.

34. AnonymousOctober 25,2023 at 7:54PM UTC

    I’m 49, burnt out, and in a similar situation to many here. Switching gears to a consulting role sounds like a dream…but I’m in the US am the one providing medical benefits to my family. For those who made the switch to consulting, what did you do about healthcare? Do you have a spouse whose plan you were able to use, or have you had to make the switch to private insurance?

35. AnonymousOctober 25,2023 at 10:50PM UTC

    Since consulting fees are so much higher and I had enough work to count on, I went onto the Market place and was able to find a very complete plan I could afford.

36. Lisa WilsonOctober 26,2023 at 12:21PM UTC

    Go with a small consulting company.

37. AnonymousOctober 26,2023 at 12:26PM UTC

    I'm working my butt off now so that by the time I'm 50 I don't have to worry about working in corporate America. My reasoning is that I've seen too many people over 50 get laid off, struggle to find a job, get trapped in a job that they hate, have long stints of unemployment or have to take subpar roles that they're over qualified for.

    With that being said, if you have the funds/support/insurance take a break, but with the expectation that you may never get back into the workforce, then do it.

38. AnonymousOctober 26,2023 at 12:30PM UTC

    I think everyone does things differently, especially at this stage in life. I left a job that completely burned me out without a gameplan. I don't advise it, but I had to do what was best for me at the time. I don't regret it, however although it caused me to be looked over by potential future employers. Instead of going back to this line of work, I found a way to go back to school and I'm keeping on top of new industry trends, etc. that pertain to my future career. I am not of the mindset that I'll retire at xyz age, however. I hope to continue to work (with a satisfying life balance) for years to come. Best of luck to you and please take care of yourself!

39. AnonymousOctober 26,2023 at 12:51PM UTC

    You are unsatisfied in your current role. Are you also dissatisfied with the company? If not, there may be some options. See if there are other roles that you could transition to that might better fit your skills and goals. Depending on the size of the company, another option might be to take a leave of absence, so that you have a job to come back to. If you do take time off, I would highly suggest that you spend part of that time to enhance your current skill set and to explore what roles might be of more interest to you. As others have mentioned, the job market is tough right now, especially for those of us that are 50+. By using the time to enhance your skills, you have a good explanation of why you show a break on your resume. Best of luck! Burnout is real and you need to take care of yourself.

40. AnonymousOctober 26,2023 at 1:16PM UTC

    Seasoned workers will always have this challenge. Do what's best for you as there as great places to work that appreciate experience !!!

41. AnonOctober 26,2023 at 2:29PM UTC

    Before making the decision to leave, reach out to your network and let them know you are looking for an opportunity, having a position offered to you through people you know is easier than the going through the search, apply, reject route. I would not advise leaving but taking a 3 month leave of absence might do the trick to recharge you, best of luck and take up a healthy interest like yoga or zumba to help through the week.

42. AnonymousOctober 26,2023 at 2:30PM UTC

    It's not only OK, it's healthy.

43. NAGENDRA PRASAD TAMMARAOctober 26,2023 at 5:00PM UTC

    I am also in the same situation.

    What to do

    Anyone guide

44. AnonymousOctober 26,2023 at 5:15PM UTC

    I am 44 and am taking some time off. It's been the best thing for my physical and mental health. I am 2 months into taking 3 months off. I may take off more time. We are broke but it's amazing how you can remember how to be thrifty again and I am actually enjoying the quality of my life more. I am spending more time with my kids and remembering my own lost identity.

45. AnonymousOctober 26,2023 at 6:14PM UTC

    I know that my parents continuously preached that if you “do Thing A, B, C and do them well, you’ll be rewarded”. And that was the case for my dad who reasonably climbed the corporate ladder, spending most of his career at one company.

    It took me YEARS of working to realize that as a Gen X’er…that strategy didn’t work for my generation. And when I went for my parents for advice, they didn’t have the tools other than to tell me that I hadn’t paid my dues or that it wasn’t my time yet or to just continue to be patient. I worked my butt off, have always gotten good performance reviews, but I’ve clearly in the category of employee that companies want to keep around but not promote. And now I’m in my late 40s, burnt out, and wondering “Now what? Is this all there is?”

46. AnonymousOctober 27,2023 at 2:26PM UTC

    Exactly! It was true for our parent's generation (as was staying in the same job for your whole career) but something shifted during GenX and continued for Millennials. I am enjoying the pushback from Gen Z -- if you aren't going to provide a career path or pay me competitively, I'm not going above and beyond -- and I hope they can shift the work culture for the better. We'll see, I suppose. Doesn't help with ageism, but perhaps taking a page from quiet quitting while quietly shopping around for other options may be the way to go.

47. AnonymousOctober 26,2023 at 6:31PM UTC

    I suggest seeing a mental health specialist now to talk through your situation and manage your stress level. Then decide when you are in a better place.

48. AnonymousOctober 26,2023 at 6:33PM UTC

    All of us on some level have dealt with or currently dealing with ageism. I would love to push back and fight it, but cannot do it alone. With that said, you may consider changing careers, go back to school, research more age friendly careers, age proof your resume, etc. They are out there. It’s going to take more work. Big tech giants like Google, Facebook, are not age friendly so don’t bother with those companies. All I am saying is try not to get discouraged. Corporate America unfortunately caters to the younger workers because they’re cheaper and easier to impress than middle aged workers. It’s all about money and this is what happens when greed is unchecked. I would look at other sectors besides the corporate 9-5 grind. Check out contract work, look at starting a small business. This is all doable but will require more time and patience. Try not to let it get to you and I know it’s easier said than done. Otherwise it will turn into a self fulfilling prophecy.

49. AnonymousOctober 26,2023 at 7:06PM UTC

    The approach to age that I take is settling myself apart from my younger colleagues and positioning myself as an expert in a more narrow subject/area and hype the heck out of being specific with skills at the higher end along with salary at the high end. It has worked for me for the past 15 years.

50. AnonymousOctober 26,2023 at 7:35PM UTC

    I am at 10 months of my 12-month career break. I did not plan it, but poor leadership that allowed for a toxic work environment for 2 years caused me anxiety and disengagement from a job I loved and enjoyed. I am fully aware of the gap on my resume, which looks terrible in my mid-50s but taking this time off was the best I could do. I have traveled to many cities in Europe, have visited my family overseas and out of state, and am now getting ready to return to the workforce in January even if that entails lower pay and fewer responsibilities. Job titles will be worthless when I die. I live frugally but not in misery, and I live in one of the most expensive cities of the USA. If your job is not serving you well, do it. I have no regrets! Wish you the best of luck!

51. AnonymousOctober 26,2023 at 8:37PM UTC

    If you are looking to find a new job, you might as well leave this job where you are getting burned out! Take a year off! That would be a great plan.

52. AnonymousOctober 27,2023 at 12:12PM UTC

    Does your job allow you to take a work sabbatical? My employer does, and I am planning to take one in 5 years when my daughter is 18, as I am planning to move house and do a few things for me. If they do it, take that time to research your next steps. Good luck!

53. Seema MadhavanOctober 27,2023 at 12:16PM UTC

    It’s okay to do whatever you need to do. It sounds like you asking for permission to “do you”- just do it. If you are afraid someone later will ask about it, just know there are all different kinds of ways to explain it and if you need to put YOU first right now, do that.

54. AnonymousOctober 27,2023 at 1:10PM UTC

    I ((56) was laid off from my main $$ hustle in May--and really not sad about it because the work environment had become very looks-driven and increasingly ageist. While I still have my side hustle aka "fulltime" gig as a college lecturer (online, so mostly passive income), I do that for the awesome health insurance because the take-home pay is awful. So, when I saw the writing on the wall of my moneymaker job last year, I started saving up most of my salary from that, which has allowed me to take the past 5 months to address some urgent health concerns and to learn more in my field--and to relearn how to take care of myself. I could probably supplement my college income for a few years with that, and I honestly value my current peace, quiet, and low blood pressure too much to return to a full-time job in the main hustle's industry. But I really miss the money. So, I have started to retool my resume and am now looking for a more fun company or nonprofit. The goal is to combine both incomes and make it back into the 6 figures.

55. AnonymousOctober 27,2023 at 4:15PM UTC

    I hear ya. Nonprofits are much less pressure and might be fun too.

56. AnonymousOctober 27,2023 at 6:12PM UTC

    I am really hoping that in my Gen Z daughter’s working lifetime, we’ll see a shift away from tying healthcare and other human rights to corporate employment.

57. AnonymousOctober 27,2023 at 9:22PM UTC

    You most likely would have to get an entry level position if you could even get one eat your age. Even those in their 40's have a hard time getting hired!

58. Stephanie BeckOctober 28,2023 at 3:06PM UTC

    I retired from Corporate America a couple years ago at age 51. I had extreme burnout which severly negatively affected my health and relationships. Since then, I have been living off of savings, working part-time and taping into my creative brain. I am healthier, happier and enjoying my family time. When I need money, I will find a job. My life is no longer about career but about living. Priorities shift and I believe well being is most important.

    All the best to you!

59. AnonymousOctober 28,2023 at 7:45PM UTC

    So glad you said this! Bravo!

60. AnonymousFebruary 15,2024 at 9:55PM UTC

    This is awesome. Thank you.

61. AnonymousOctober 30,2023 at 4:43PM UTC

    I would say that depends on how financially set you are , if you have the resources to be off indefinitely then why not ? Maybe you can find part time jobs, contract opportunities etc .