Taking some time off
After working at a startup for 3.5 years as a software developer, I was let go last month due to "lack of long-term job fit." I'm thankful I have the opportunity to take some time off in between before my next journey.
I really have no idea what I will do next as far as my career. I just feel tired and need to rest, but at the same time, I'm wondering how long this process will take for me to recover. Do you have any tips about how to go about taking take of yourself while at the same time looking for new opportunities? I sometimes feel like I should a) timebox myself with this recover phase and b) don't wait for the "perfect" next job to come along. Thank you.
Barb Hansen
Startup Product, Growth & Strategy
9.2k
07/27/20 at 7:02PM UTC
I have worked in startup land for 15 of the last 20-ish years with other time working in a startup division of a large company.
I have taken a few "I just need some time to recover" periods between jobs.
Here is how I spent the last "I need some time to recover" (and these steps might help you assuming you don't want a brand new career)
I spent time on what relaxes me and time on projects about the house (gardening, working out, knitting, home improvements), so I felt reinvigorated and felt like I was accomplishing things.
I spent time reading about startups and product launches in the industries that I worked in before (crunchbase.com / product hunt etc) and back before the quarantine times, I would try to attend startup-related meetups, so I could find the joy and excitement that I have for my career, and it also gave me the opportunity to network and schedule coffees with the new people that I met.
That process could take a few days or a few weeks (and once it took about 4 months), and once I started to feel like myself again and I started to get excited about a new job, then I started actively looking for work.
Danielle
110
07/25/20 at 3:42AM UTC
It can be very difficult when your footing is no longer on solid ground. We have a tendency to put immense pressure on ourselves to bounce back quickly, I applaud you for realizing you need to rest in order to recover. Take your time and listen to your body. I've found when I am well rested, in a great mental space and feeling good, I gain so much clarity as to my next steps. If you're in a good space financially, test the waters with freelance work. Your experience as a Software Developer is in high demand, but you can use transferable skills to explore other areas. One suggestion, do a brain-dump. For 30 seconds, write down everything that comes to mind. You may be surprised at what comes out! Sky's the limit when you don't put restrictions on yourself. Rest, Recover, Rejoice! God's blessings always.
Nicallyss
13
07/24/20 at 1:55PM UTC
I planned an adult gap year. I mapped out the experiences I wanted to have and things I wanted to learn and explore. Covid changed my travel plans, but everything else is on track. Give yourself some time to recover. I had three months of doing nothing but nurturing my soul. Create a plan for the time off and a timeline for when you want to re-enter the workforce (if ever.) Create systems and criteria for applying to new opportunities. Be well and enjoy the reprieve!
