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quitting a job with the objective to be hired back
3

quitting a job with the objective to be hired back

quitting a job with the objective to be hired back

(OP)
hello,

I would like to gather some orientations on the following issue.

I need badly something like half year of rest (full time dedication / no work) to fix some personal stuffs but I don't have that free time right now as I am busy with my current job.

Taking advantage of a smooth workload period expected during the coming months, I was thinking to propose to my company management a plan that I would quit my job for a couple of months and try and see if I can have them agree that they would hire me back a couple of months later for the same position, for instance when business needs will increase again and man power would become critical.
Of course its a very risky plan, I can hardly see how any supposed agreement can be formalized on paper and I don't see how I could get any guarantees. Chances are high that I end up jobless. And what makes such plan even less recommendable is that I am not in a position where I do enjoy exceptional working relationship with my management neither I have built already exemplary trust with - that would take some more time.
I feel that proposing such a plan to my management, before even thinking of executing it, may reflect badly on me and damage my career. Appearing as unprofessional employee are some of the consequences I can anticipate. So at this stage it is just a brainstorming thing - anyway I would be thankful if you can share your thoughts and experience it would help.

RE: quitting a job with the objective to be hired back

In my previous company, there were a few different people that took extended unpaid leaves of absence.

If your employer agrees, then there is no need for you to quit. When the agreed upon leave is over, you come back and step right back into your work role.

To make the decision easier for your employer, I think you have to have a very good reason, and be completely up front with them (in as much as the situation will allow). Hopefully your employer will understand your need for a break.

If your company is quiet as you mentioned but with an expected upswing in the future, this might work out very well on both sides. You get a break, the company saves money, and they get you back at just the right time in a refreshed state of mind. Win-win.

RE: quitting a job with the objective to be hired back

If you're looking to be fired to collect some form of benefit while off, there is a formal term for that: Fraud. If you're looking for down time, talk to your boss. Most firms are good about these sorts of things. Just be sure you are clear that you're happy where you are and aren't looking to move on. Also be sure that you are confident in your productivity and value. If production goes up while you're gone, your job is as well.

RE: quitting a job with the objective to be hired back

2
It might go over better if you use the terms "leave of absence" or "sabbatical".

RE: quitting a job with the objective to be hired back

Looks like either way, you won't be paid. In your situation, I would resign and spend some of your decompression time looking for other work.

RE: quitting a job with the objective to be hired back

I agree with the others; what you are looking for is "Unpaid LOA" and it is common in many industries. I took one for 3 months to take care of my ailing wife and there was no negative impact on my career at all. There are caveats of course, the company has to be able to carry on without replacing you for that time, and the company gets to experience life without you. The biggest thing to me though, like Marty and CEL touch on, is the reason; I like to think I'm an OK guy to work for, but if one of my guys requested an LOA because "he needed to rest" my instinct would be to permanently relieve him of the burden of working for the company.

RE: quitting a job with the objective to be hired back

If you need a 6 month leave of absence to take care of a sick/dying family member, then almost any company I know of would readily grant you unpaid leave, and give you your job back after the leave of absence. But if you are seeking a 6 month leave of absence simply to relax and get your mind right, then I cannot imagine any company agreeing to such conditions. They are running a business that needs to produce a profit, and not a charitable endeavor. So if you are not available to perform the work they need to have done, the company will simply replace you with someone else.

I don't mean to sound insensitive, but what sort of personal situation do you have that makes it impossible for you to spend 8 hrs/day, 5 days/week working at a desk job? And how will this situation be any different after 6 months of not working?

RE: quitting a job with the objective to be hired back

Just curious....how old are you and how long have you been in the industry/with the company?

I ask because a leave of absence will be viewed completely differently if coming from a senior associate versus a guy two years out of school. A senior associate - probably viewed very favorably. A 2nd year EIT - they will probably say "goodbye".

If you are on the younger side, I suggest reaching out to someone in your life who can maybe help mentor you along - a friend, a priest/pastor, a counselor -before you pursue taking a LOA. I don't think you should jeopardize your career to "take a break" when what you really need is the support of someone who can help you sort through some things. In my own experience, having a job and "working" was some of the best therapy for me in rough times.

PE, SE
Eastern United States

"If a builder builds a house for someone, and does not construct it properly, and the house which he built falls in and kills its owner, then that builder shall be put to death!"
~Code of Hammurabi

RE: quitting a job with the objective to be hired back

Look at your HR manual there will be something about leaves of absence. If you are in the US look at the FMLA. It is the law that covers your situation.

Whatever you decide get professional help. If you are under the care of a doctor or counselor then your will qualify for the time off provisions. Think of it like having a note from the doctor to show your teacher you really were sick during finals. The counselor will also assist you in solving your problems faster then simple rest and prevent their reoccurrence.

If you simply want to relax at the beach you will have to be very valuable for someone to bring you back. Maybe you would be better off working as a contractor for 6 months to a year at a time. Good ones can make enough money to cover a few months of downtime in between jobs. You could also look at moving to Europe so you can take every August off :)

RE: quitting a job with the objective to be hired back

At my job we had a guy take a whole summer off to hike the Appalachia Trail. He had a great summer and we welcomed him back afterwards. The key is to plan ahead. He didn't go in and say I need 3 months off starting next week, he let them know at least 6 months ahead of time so it could be included in forecasts and planed for. He also regularly reminded everyone it was coming ( 3 months out, 1 month out, 3 wks, 2 wks, 1 wk)

RE: quitting a job with the objective to be hired back

Yup, we have a never ending series of young engineers who work for three years and then take six months or a year off and then come back to their old jobs with beards and tans and stories. Plan it in advance, accept that it is a somewhat risky maneuver career wise, and go for it.

Cheers

Greg Locock


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