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Original poster

How many weeks to take off between jobs?

10 replies

teqwe · 23/09/2025 08:25

I can take some unpaid ‘leave’ between finishing my old job and starting a new one. I don’t have huge savings. But the new job will pay significantly more than my old job. The new job will be very intense so everyone tells me to take as much time off as I can now as I won’t get the time off undisturbed again.

Is 3 weeks enough? Or would you take more?

OP posts:

PegDope · 23/09/2025 08:27

I was going to suggest 2 but if you can afford 3 that’s even better!

Congratulations on your new job OP.

dollyblue01 · 23/09/2025 08:32

I’m in the same position and am having a two week break in between, as I won’t get a break till Christmas then and just needed a reset from my old job and abit of me time.

BigHouseLittleHouse · 23/09/2025 08:40

If you can do three weeks that is a good amount of time - two would be fine also. I would take several days to completely rest; then a week getting yourself ready (big clean of house; wash car; review work wardrobe; batch cook; sort out personal admin; new haircut see family and friends; sort out all your Christmas presents maybe!). Also review the whole “first 90 days” thing and try to get yourself in right headspace.

Congrats on the new job!

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Employment advice

BeMellowAquaSquid · 23/09/2025 08:41

I’m ending my current job on a Thursday and starting new one on the Monday. I don’t like time off inbetween personally.

IWasScaredToBeHeld · 23/09/2025 08:41

I took 3 days. I’d rather just get back into it tbh

SparklyCardigan · 23/09/2025 08:42

I'd take four weeks if I could afford to.

JDM625 · 23/09/2025 08:43

I'd take a min of 2 weeks. 3 ideally.

Bare in mind though what the new companies pay cycle is. If its monthly pay, and you miss the start date to be paid that month, it could be almost 6 weeks before you get paid anything!

ItsOnlyHobnobs · 23/09/2025 08:45

Oh I think 3 weeks is great if you can afford it.

I find a new job exhausting. Remembering new names and processes, and always feeling ‘switched on’ can be very draining for some people.

rookiemere · 23/09/2025 08:46

3 weeks is great. I would also try and make sure you have some leave booked in - if allowed at 3 months and 6 months into the new role. If it’s going to be hard work you need breaks to look forward to.

MiddlingMarch · 23/09/2025 09:29

I had one week, which wasn't enough. Two weeks ideal, but if you can afford 3 weeks off then perfect.

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