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Negotiating start dates. Can I ask for a break between positions?

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Negotiating start dates. Can I ask for a break between positions?

I may be getting ahead of myself, but if I am offered the job I am currently interviewing for I would LOVE 2-4 weeks off before starting. ….

Yes, I would love a minute to reset! Yes,it is summer and an opportunity to soak it up would be fantastic time for a mental health break. No, I am not a lazy slacker lol. - Also I have no idea yet what there timeline is, they don’t seem too hurried but obviously I would take this into account.

Last job change I had only 3 days and definitely would have appreciated a larger break but they had some specific start date in mind.

Okay soooooo my question is—— have you ever taken a month off between jobs? Would you recommend it AND how to did you approach it with your new employer.

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  1. Anonymous

    Yes, absolutely take the time you need! I've asked for a month from the offer date, no problem at all.

    Once you get to the offer stage, simply tell them your preferred start date. You can add that there's some flexibility if needed.

    I acknowledge that this would differ between industries and professional levels (service/retail v. office/manager levels) but be ready to negotiate within your preferred range.

  2. Anonymous

    Most people do this as well as notify the employer that you have a non refundable vacation planned in October so that they know up front and you will be guaranteed another 2 weeks or so off then too. I did this and it really allowed me to stay fresh after training abd getting up to speed.

  3. Anonymous

    Don’t even need an excuse like you have a non refundable ticket, vacation, sick pet, etc etc

  4. GirlBossanova934974

    Once you start discussing start dates, I would definitely put in my request to start 30 days down the road. 30 days used to be somewhat of an ask but with so many companies now taking WEEKS to onboard new employees, the ask is not that much anymore. The IT department is usually the big holdup and often takes 2 weeks minimum.

  5. Anonymous

    Yes, I have. If/when you get the offer let them know that you need to give 2 weeks notice and that you had planned a vacation that is set as well for 2 weeks. If they balk compromise at 3 because you want to be fresh and competent when you come on board and since it will be the start of a long and prosperous relationship you hope they can be flexible.

  6. Anonymous

    of course you can

    just don’t say you are taking vacation or time to reset
    just make it look like you need to give notice to your previous employer
    don’t tell them you are vacationing!!! Just let it be like you are giving them the date you will start, being in control

  7. Anonymous

    It’s ridiculous that we have to qualify wanting to have 2-4 weeks of time to ourselves in between jobs with “I’m not lazy”. Take your time, baby. Enjoy it, luxuriate in it, DO NOT feel bad about it!! Be “lazy” if you can. It’s your life, enjoy it. Our lives were not meant to be spent as wage slaves for corpos but that’s the system we are currently in. Enjoy your time

  8. Anonymous

    I always tell a new company I need 3 weeks: 2 weeks notice for the old place, and 1 week off in between jobs. The new place has always told me that extra week off is a great idea!

  9. Anonymous

    If you have an offer in writing, they usually put the start date. You do not have to ask permission. Tell them, you can start on said date. I wouldn't go 4 weeks. Honestly, the longer you're out things could change. Give your employer 2 weeks, then take off 2 weeks. The gap you may experience is in your pay. You won't get paid by the new employer maybe for 2 weeks after you start if paid in 2 week arrears. You can't put time on money though so if you can take off 2 weeks, do it. But a month, I wouldn't take that as the employer needs a worker. I mean you could propose it if you can afford it. Good luck!

  10. Maggie Soldano

    You don't have to explain your start date availability. Just tell them what it is. As far as their concerned, it could be previous travel plans or that your previous employer asked for more transition time. "I'm available to start [date]."

    Fair warning: I have heard of offers being rescinded during these breaks, however. It's easy to do when you don't have someone officially on salary yet. If you're worried about that, maybe just two weeks?

  11. Alexis Gladstone

    Yes you can negotiate your start date. You don't need to give a detailed explanation. Once you get the offer letter (which usually has a start date unless it's already been discussed) respond by telling them you're excited to except and based on current commitments you'd like to start on X date.

    Good luck!

  12. lzedjones

    I totally recommend it. I was burned out from my previous job. I told my current job that I would be available to start in one month. Just give them the date you'd like to start. Don't tell anyone you are taking a month off. That's your business. If they absolutely need you sooner, they will let you know and then you can decide what to do.

  13. Orlagh Costello

    Totally recommend this. Just give the new place the starting date that works for you and move on from there.

  14. Anonymous

    Keep in mind it's YOUR TIME. You do not have to ASK anyone for anything. Just arrange your departure date and start dates accordingly - periodt!

    You are grown, so act like it :)

  15. Anonymous

    It depends. Some employers are so desperate to fill positions, the month may cause them to choose another candidate. Be reasonable. Take two weeks.

  16. Lori Caso

    You can ask- but if they are looking for someone to start sooner you may not get the position…

  17. L G

    I just did this. If the job wants you specifically, they will work with you. I am a firm believer in this. If this is what you feel will be best in order for you to come to them fully ready to commit, do it.

  18. Anonymous

    You could always ask the question "How soon are you looking to fill this position?" Typically in interviews they ask you how soon can you start and if you have any conflicts. I've had employers in the past willing to wait as I had a prior arrangements before even interviewing for the position. It's just about communicating your needs.

  19. Anonymous

    highly recommend doing this! you'll start off your new job feeling refreshed. as others have said, just make sure to negotiate this in your final offer letter. i would also make sure to consider any implications to your health insurance coverage. in my experience my previous job will cover me through the end of the month and my new job coverage will start the day i start my job, so i just try to make sure there isn't a gap in my coverage.

  20. LORI-ANN BURLINGAME

    What concerns is that the company does not have a specific start date? Are they having second thoughts about the person who is leaving? Do they have projects/work that is incomplete? Have they already hired someone and they are giving that person a trial run? And, yes this does happen.

    You do not have to go into any details

  21. Bosslady349850

    I sure have. They just ask when you are available to start and you tell them when. It doesn't need to be out in the open the why and how. If you get the offer andbthey ask when can you start just state your date.

  22. Jan Stafford

    Yes, I would recommend time off to reset. Not only is it good for you, but your new employer will get an energized and enthusiastic employee that's ready for a new challenge.

  23. Anonymous

    Yes. I had international

    tracel before my job started. I just said, I have travel and tickets booked. They didn’t care at all. I didn’t have to explain myself. It’s common in summer. Green flag all the way.

  24. Liz Milne

    I've taken a week off between jobs and loved it! I've also finished work on one day and popped by the new job on my way home to pick up keys ready for the new job right away! The first option is definitely nicest if you can!

  25. Autumn Meeker

    If you and your new employer can agree on a start date, there's no reason the employer needs to know your end date at your former employer.

  26. Anonymous

    This 100%

  27. Farah Bajwa

    honestly, they don't have to know the reasons why but if you want to share you can. Historically I'd say that I needed to take care of some personal matters, like moving to a new location, so that when I start I'm 100% fresh and focused.

  28. Anonymous

    I'm all for some sort of a break between employers and encourage others to take time in between. I have even recently heard of a company or two that includes that at the front end for new employees. I think it's important for your mental health to be able to close out with former employer and take time for you to reset, not worry about jumping into the new role immediately. I don't think it's unreasonable to state that you'd like to provide appropriate notice to current employer (two weeks), but would also like an additional two weeks to start to reset, recharge and prepare for new role.

  29. Anonymous

    if employers can put you thru 6 months and 42 rounds of interviews… they’ll wait for the right candidate.

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