If you have enough for retirement, you may quit anytime. There is no law saying people HAVE TO work.

So envious. Single mom, $90K, 45-50 hours/week, no flexibility

Anonymous wrote:Take a sabbatical fro as long as you can get away with - month? two months? six months?

I did this, for about three months. It was exhilarating and amazing. I alternated between traveling and resting on my porch reading a book. I also did projects I'd been postponing as well and my house was clean and we ate home cooked meals.

When I went back at first I was pretty much the same but gradually I have pulled out of my funk and found some new life in my career. I think my manager is glad he gave me permission for the sabbatical. I can definitely make it until retirement and now, maybe beyond. Totally worth it, great experience. I spent some $, used all my leave and then some, but I don't regret a minute of it.

How much leave do you have? Can you work from afar? I am in favor of the sabbatical idea or vacation, but make it long. 3 weeks or longer in Europe or a cross country trip, time off for volunteering; etc. Something different, somewhat relaxing but also challenging/interesting. Then decide what you want to do. Another idea: could you consult or start your own business?

Op do you have a pension? In other words if you quit working will it affect your pension?

OP here. I don't have that much in savings. I have about $400K for 2 DCs college and about $2.5m savings/retirement. Plus equity in my house. Kids go to public, never had super expensive cars, etc. so I feel like I didn't live too high but it isn't that easy to save. So would that be enough, I don't know. I feel like taking a break and figuring out what to do in 2 years. Obviously I could afford that but I don't think I could flat out retire. Thanks for the suggestions. Even reading the posts made my day go by quicker!

Op, can you live on 4% of your savings?

I would love to have a job where I pet kittens and puppies all day. So would DD.

I'm 50 and took a sabbatical two years ago. I loved the time off but haven't been happy since I returned-- despite a huge raise. I don't make nearly enough to retire.

I'm 43 and I was discussing just this thing with several of my friends. We are all incredibly burnt out and would love to take a 6-9 month sabbatical to focus on ourselves and families and then come back refreshed to our careers. Unfortunately, I can't do that in my field but I'm incredibly sympathetic.

Did you save enough to retire? Did you not know that you'll be burnt out? I'm 38 and looking forward to retiring. Will work part time until 55. I can do it because my expenses are very low and I don't spend a lot.
Not having to work is more important than buying more stuff.

Take a sabbatical fro as long as you can get away with - month? two months? six months?

Retire and part time consult for your current employer.

Yes you should retire. Life is too short and you must be financially independent by now(?).
I guess it really depends on how much money you have. I would think you must have a large amount - so you can live off it with a safe withdrawal rate, so why work any longer? You have several million yes?
It sounds like you are ready for a change.

Maybe you can take a leave of absence for two or three months, and recharge. Do your hobbies during the day. Whatever. Then go back. If in another year you still feel the same, why not stop working? Do you need the money?