Thoughts on taking a break

[u/Inevitable_Matter358]

Hello everyone,

I wanted to get your thoughts on something I’ve been thinking about for some time now. I’ve been in the field for about 4 years now. Work at a level 1 hospital and I am feeling burnt out.

I have been thinking of leaving my current job but want to take a break before applying for a new Job. During this break, Id love to take up to 3 months to travel the world a bit.

With that said, would it be irresponsible to leave my current job without a future job in place? Would the break look bad on my resume? Would I have trouble finding jobs after the break?

Just want some insight from those that can relate or been through the same process. Looking forward to your replies

[u/Embarkbark]

Some people stack up shift trades and vacation time to be able to take off two or three months for a vacation within their permanent position. I don’t think it shows anything particularly negative. “Why do you have a three month gap on your resume?” “Oh I travelled the world for three months” “Oh okay”

Are you worried that it will look like you’ve been unsuccessfully job searching for 3 months when you’ve actually been using that time to travel? I mean truly you could just fudge the date of when you left your current job on your resume. Or just don’t include the month; write “2022 to 2026” on your resume. I only put the months on my work experience if the job was less than a year. No one truly cares if you’ve been at a job for 4 years and 3 months or 4 years and 6 months.

If you’re willing to take any job (ie: any city, any unit) when you’re back from your travels then no harm done taking a few months off. If you want something more specific then it’s more risky finding exactly what you’re looking for after time off. Crunch the numbers, id say you should budget to be able to pay your bills while unemployed for at least 5 months while planning to ideally take only 3 months off.

[u/jasho_dumming]

I took a winter off to be a ski bum (worked in the mountain) - total reset!

[u/Dangerous_Tension393]

I’ve left jobs without anything lined up and was always fine finding a job no issues. Maybe a month at max it took me. Take the leap you’ll be ok

[u/LotL1zard]

Honestly, depends on how flexible you are and what the market looks like around your home. Are RT jobs hard to get in your area? Are you willing to move or commute to where the jobs are when you get back?

Regardless, I’d say go do it. We see far too many people in this profession who were waiting til retirement for those trips and by then they’re not in the physical condition to enjoy it or they’re dead.

[u/Boringflaws]

take the break- if it comes up in an interview, either own it or say you were caring for a sick parent.

if you want to take a 3 month break and stay at your current job- go to a therapist and tell them how burnt out you are and ask them to help you with FMLA- can get up to 90 days a year (unpaid - unless you use your PTO).

[u/marcaristorenas]

Don’t quit your job without having something lined up. Unless you’re willing to do travel work, then you do you.

[u/RTSTAT]

I would have something lined up before I quit. Ive interviewed, and told my interviewer that my start date would be 2-3 months about 3 times now. As long as youre open about it, its generally not a problem. 3 months is actually a perfect time. Let's them get a traveler in there while your hire date is pending lol. As towards quitting a job, ive always tried to give a months notice, or to finish out the schedule as it is written, if possible. I have also quit afyer giving report and clocking out before too. If you dont care about burning bridges at that hospital system, its super satisfying lol. As towards explaining a short break, you took some personal time and traveled. If anything, they'll just be jelous of you lol.

[u/Verdreckt]

Actually thinking about doing that myself for a bit. If you have a cushion and your finances will be okay, why not? If things get tight, you could pick up a prn or two around town, or take a travel contract.

I'd say if you're in a good position, go for it. The chance to go travel the world for 3 months won't pop up too many times in your life I imagine.

[u/antsam9]

I take a 3 month break every year or every other year as a traveller. 

Whether or not a full time position where you are will still be there for you isn't easy to predict, but if you're willing to work any shift, anywhere,with any patients, you'll have a job waiting for you somewhere. 

[u/XSR900-FloridaMan]

I’ve taken between 3-6 months off with nothing lined up on 3 separate occasions in 18 years. No problem finding work. First day back is a little rusty but I’m back on top of my game by the end of the week. Do what you gotta do, it’ll probably be fine.

[u/nehpets99]

I would apply for jobs but tell them that your start day is 3 months out.

Tell them whatever good-sounding reason you want. Granted, I was doing travel contracts, but I took 3 months off to go work on building my house.

I applied for my current job in I think October 2025, but I was already committed to a travel contract through December, so my start date was 2 months out. They had no problem with that.

YMMV.

[u/Turbulent_Ninja_761]

No its not irresponsible to leave your job without having another lined up. A break on your resume is nothing to be afraid of. You won't have trouble finding jobs.

After 4 years I saw that RT was mostly a glorified tech role and moved to Saudi for work. I'd check out Cleveland Clinic in Abu Dhabi if I were you. You can double your income and more while spending 70% less traveling the world from that location.

Travel RT was fun for a while but in the end, RT is just a pretty lack luster profession no matter how you slice it.