How much would you want in savings to feel like life would be ok if you had to get a new job?

[Gdjjj]

I’ve saved around 35k. My basic outgoings including food are around 2k a month and I have a trust fund of 700 a month. I can’t stand my job and want six months off. Is this reckless? I have nobody close to me to feel comfortable asking this!

i don’t think it’s reckless at all. I have quit jobs in the past to have some time off. Some people think it’s bonkers but I think it’s totally fine and you do what suits you, especially if you have savings like you do. 6 months+ of outgoings is a good cushion of savings to have. What is the job market like for the work you do? Just in case it’s not as easy as you’d expect to pick up another job . It might take longer than you think, and the job hunting could eat into your time and make it a bit more stressful that you wanted it to be . Just a thought.

Find a job you prefer, what will be different in 6 months?

What are you going to do for 6 months?
It is a long time to do nothing. Do you think you will want to start looking for a new job after doing nothing fir 6 months?

Aside from that I think saving up before finding a new job is a good idea. But I would not enjoy the 6 months just sitting there watching my 35k being eaten up

Is that even a question?
I would love to have mOney to have time off.
Go and travel. Live life

I burned out and had 8 months off, although I did it as a married woman with a partner who could have covered the bills (I contributed equally).

How flexible are your outgoings? I found that I could live a lot more cheaply in one respect because I could do things like cook every meal from scratch, elaborate fakeaways etc because I had time.

I had a wonderful time after the initial burnout... Burned out.

I gardened, I wrote, I cooked. I also studied for a new qualification, went swimming twice a week, visited my family, took a road trip, took a trip abroad.

I think it's doable, but if you want more details I'd post your finances/budget/aspirations for tips!

I just told new employers that I had wanted a break to retrain and study. Had no trouble getting interviews.

It’s totally financially feasible on 35k

have a think about what you’re going to do for the 6 months though

It is hard to say if it’s reckless without knowing what industry you’re in and how easily you will find another job. Or if you have dependents / how old you are. Will a 6 month break harm your career?

6 months is enough time to drift if you don't have a concrete plan. Its far from unreasonable to leave a job you hate. Why not have 2 to 3 months off to recharge THEN look for a job that interests you. If 6 months make sure you use the time constructively to travel or something.

You get 1 life and you can't take your savings with you. Take the 6 months off and enjoy life. It won't be a huge dent in your savings and you can make it back up when you're back in work. I'd love to be in the position to take 6 months off right now.

I have quit with zero before.
If you can live on what you have then do it.

How readily will you get a new job? Having just spent 2 years applying for jobs are you sure you will get one that you want in 6 months time?

A few years ago I walked out of a job without another to go to. No savings as such but a supportive husband. Had no problem claiming contributions based JSA of £90 a week despite leaving the job of my own accord, it was messing with my mental health. Managed to find something else within three months. Not sure I'd risk it now though with the current jobs market but obviously depends what line of work you are in.

Does your job offer work unpaid sabbaticals? Find out if it does and then take one. You'll have the safety net of a job after 6 months if you change your mind, or need to go back for a bit. Absolutely go for it...use the time wisely to think through your next steps. Good luck, very exciting!

I’d go for it if I was you! See where life takes you and enjoy a break.

£100k, which is about three years salary for me. The job market is awful at the minute in some sectors, including mine. I'd be nervous about taking any time off voluntarily.

It’s not bonkers at all, we only get one shot at this life. My friend had 6 months off with similar savings and said it was the best thing she ever did, full reset and now she’s in a job she loves and got the savings back up to where they were. You’re in a position where you can actually do it where many (me included) are not so I say go for it x

It's not so much the money, but taking a break may mean it harder to get back in to a good job in a tough market. 6 months may be ok, but what if a job hunt at the 6 month mark takes 6 months itself. Then that's a year out and beginning to devalue you as a candidate.

Depending on your industry of course. Mine is ultra competitive so it definitely would.

It completely depends on

• how employable you'll be afterwards
• how long your cushion will last you
• what your outgoings are
• what your responsibilities are
• what your support system is like and how reliable it is.

So your question is nonsensical.
I nearly facitiously replied "a year's salary" but I earn a LOT less than you a year, so 🤷‍♀️🤷‍♀️🤷‍♀️🤷‍♀️
Any reply I give you is pointless, isn't it

I did this a couple of years ago. Quit my job with no job to go to. I took 9 months off and ate through a lot (but not all) of my savings.

The job market doesn’t seem great at the moment so you need to factor that in to your decision.

I am an expat and my visa is tied to my job. I would LOVE to be able to quit and take 6 months out. Then have a complete career change haha. In fact, it’s a dream of mine.

Definitely go for it!

I was made redundant 3 months ago from a very stressful job and decided to take 3 months off as I felt I was constantly on a hamster wheel and never had time to think about anything other than work, I don’t feel guilty about it and will start looking for a new job next week,
I think more and more people are deciding to take time off between jobs ( if they can afford to) as it gives you time to re energise and clear your mind

I've twice taken 3 months off with less than half of that, (outgoings half also), so you should be fine. I was doing some occasional work for spends though - assessing AI and cleaning. I have my own business so all above board.

Depending on your income bracket, taking a break can also drop your tax (by keeping you below a threshold). so if you are PAYE, you may get a refund.

I definitely was glad to get back to 'regular' working after each 'rest'. I love spending time on my hobbies etc, but a time always comes when I'm itching for routine.

Same, I know people in my sector who have been looking for work, even contract stuff, for well over a year. It really depends what it is Op.

Ive had a goal of saving a year’s salary. I’ve don’t that now and it’s a nice feeling of security. If I was going to take 6 months off I’d need a plan, when I was younger I’d have travelled, possibly still would now…

I'd want enough to ensure I could pay basic bills for a year. OP, you need to assume it will be more than six months.