Should I take 2026 off as a year for myself

[Newtothisplace]

I’m the main earner, we have no huge financial commitments, I run my own consultancy that I can dial up or down. After a full on few years I’m feeling burnt out and need a break. DH thinks it’s unreasonable and that I’ll be bored. But I’d love nothing more than to fill my days with long dog walks and hitting the gym.

If you can afford too then why not.
Go for it.

DH thinks it’s unreasonable and that I’ll be bored

Is he on board financially? Surely it's not his problem if you're bored, is he just covering his real concern?

Go for it

@verycloakanddaggers DH isn’t really earning at the moment (he’s working on a creative project that will pay later) so he doesn’t need to be onboard financially. It’s more like I wouldn’t be earning for a year so we’d need to cover expenses from savings. Which we can afford to do. I’ve just been on a corporate train for 20 years and want a gap year.

A year out of consultancy will risk more years of stress trying to re-establish clients etc.

How would you fund the year off?
Whilst I don't think you should break yourself making a decision of stopping work for a year without proper agreement is pretty selfish.

Is there a compromise of scaling back or a shorter time but multiple off?

Could you not just cut your hours right back? Huge thing to dip into savings!

Are you sure you can just pick clients up after a year, will they not have made new relationships?

If you are then sure to dipping into savings as long as you really have it - ie is your husband's only concern that you are bored or is he worried about money? (I mean obviously he could get a job, but you appear on board with him not doing that right now).

Why not take three months off and see how you feel? Fill it with down time and with things you’ve always wanted to do but haven’t had time. When my DH had a three month sabbatical he did a baking course, went away with a mate on a bridge retreat, had a relaxed Christmas, then we went to Australia for a month. On his return we took and intensive Spanish class then went to Spain for a couple weeks! He felt he had really taken a proper yet productive break, we as a family greatly enjoyed having him around, and he was ready to return to his high powered job.
If after the three months you want to take another then go ahead.

Yanbu xx