Leaving my job - no future plan. What to do?
Discussion
I am leaving my current job at the end of September and have made no firm forward plans. I am 31, single, no mortgage or commitments.
I do have some opportunities to be employed in property that will be there for an indefinite amount of time, but the plan is to start my own business. I have a few ideas (within property) that are workable and I am exploring further - they are time sensitive to an extent. One is a new estate agency model, another is property development and finally a new property service that isn't currently offered in the UK. I am not firm on any of these ideas at the moment or wholly committed to property. I am keeping my options open for now.
At this point, the detail of those ideas isn't important but hopefully gives an idea of industry and timescales - i.e it doesn't need to happen tomorrow but can't wait years. Ultimately, I am very relaxed about my future.
My question is, should I crack straight on with a startup or take some time out? Time out could be a month, 3 months or a year. If I took some time out, what should I do? Cycle across Europe? Go to Thailand and work in a bar for 3 months? Sit on a beach? Be a deckhand on a yacht? Start a real time thread allowing PH to vote day by day on my next move? Or, should I knuckle down immediately and get to work?
I am sure there are some older/wiser heads on here who've had a similar situation before and can offer advice with the benefit of hindsight.
If I did take some time out, I'd have a spare £5-10k to be able to spend on whatever it is I do, plus any money I earned if I worked.
I do have some opportunities to be employed in property that will be there for an indefinite amount of time, but the plan is to start my own business. I have a few ideas (within property) that are workable and I am exploring further - they are time sensitive to an extent. One is a new estate agency model, another is property development and finally a new property service that isn't currently offered in the UK. I am not firm on any of these ideas at the moment or wholly committed to property. I am keeping my options open for now.
At this point, the detail of those ideas isn't important but hopefully gives an idea of industry and timescales - i.e it doesn't need to happen tomorrow but can't wait years. Ultimately, I am very relaxed about my future.
My question is, should I crack straight on with a startup or take some time out? Time out could be a month, 3 months or a year. If I took some time out, what should I do? Cycle across Europe? Go to Thailand and work in a bar for 3 months? Sit on a beach? Be a deckhand on a yacht? Start a real time thread allowing PH to vote day by day on my next move? Or, should I knuckle down immediately and get to work?
I am sure there are some older/wiser heads on here who've had a similar situation before and can offer advice with the benefit of hindsight.
If I did take some time out, I'd have a spare £5-10k to be able to spend on whatever it is I do, plus any money I earned if I worked.
FrankAbagnale said:
I am leaving my current job at the end of September and have made no firm forward plans. I am 31, single, no mortgage or commitments.
I do have some opportunities to be employed in property that will be there for an indefinite amount of time, but the plan is to start my own business. I have a few ideas (within property) that are workable and I am exploring further - they are time sensitive to an extent. One is a new estate agency model, another is property development and finally a new property service that isn't currently offered in the UK. I am not firm on any of these ideas at the moment or wholly committed to property. I am keeping my options open for now.
At this point, the detail of those ideas isn't important but hopefully gives an idea of industry and timescales - i.e it doesn't need to happen tomorrow but can't wait years. Ultimately, I am very relaxed about my future.
My question is, should I crack straight on with a startup or take some time out? Time out could be a month, 3 months or a year. If I took some time out, what should I do? Cycle across Europe? Go to Thailand and work in a bar for 3 months? Sit on a beach? Be a deckhand on a yacht? Start a real time thread allowing PH to vote day by day on my next move? Or, should I knuckle down immediately and get to work?
I am sure there are some older/wiser heads on here who've had a similar situation before and can offer advice with the benefit of hindsight.
If I did take some time out, I'd have a spare £5-10k to be able to spend on whatever it is I do, plus any money I earned if I worked.
Difficult to give an exact answer and only you can choose, personally if I were you I'd take a few months to nail down the business plan as you seem a little unsure about exactly what you're going to do.I do have some opportunities to be employed in property that will be there for an indefinite amount of time, but the plan is to start my own business. I have a few ideas (within property) that are workable and I am exploring further - they are time sensitive to an extent. One is a new estate agency model, another is property development and finally a new property service that isn't currently offered in the UK. I am not firm on any of these ideas at the moment or wholly committed to property. I am keeping my options open for now.
At this point, the detail of those ideas isn't important but hopefully gives an idea of industry and timescales - i.e it doesn't need to happen tomorrow but can't wait years. Ultimately, I am very relaxed about my future.
My question is, should I crack straight on with a startup or take some time out? Time out could be a month, 3 months or a year. If I took some time out, what should I do? Cycle across Europe? Go to Thailand and work in a bar for 3 months? Sit on a beach? Be a deckhand on a yacht? Start a real time thread allowing PH to vote day by day on my next move? Or, should I knuckle down immediately and get to work?
I am sure there are some older/wiser heads on here who've had a similar situation before and can offer advice with the benefit of hindsight.
If I did take some time out, I'd have a spare £5-10k to be able to spend on whatever it is I do, plus any money I earned if I worked.
Once that's in place take maybe a few months to relax and travel a bit, come back enthused and focus on getting the business going.
I'm in a semi similar situation to yourself. I'm 29 and stuck in a job i've been trying to get out of for the past four years which is soon about to get alot worse due to various reasons I won't bore you with.
I've got no commitments so also thinking of just jacking it in and taking three months out to decide what I really want to do i'm just terrified that since I have such terrible luck in finding jobs the three months career break will turn into a homeless living on the street break.
If you've got the means to set up your own business and the contacts/experience to get back into another job easily if you need be then i'd go for the break. I'm very envious of you.
I've got no commitments so also thinking of just jacking it in and taking three months out to decide what I really want to do i'm just terrified that since I have such terrible luck in finding jobs the three months career break will turn into a homeless living on the street break.
If you've got the means to set up your own business and the contacts/experience to get back into another job easily if you need be then i'd go for the break. I'm very envious of you.
ZOLLAR said:
FrankAbagnale said:
I am leaving my current job at the end of September and have made no firm forward plans. I am 31, single, no mortgage or commitments.
I do have some opportunities to be employed in property that will be there for an indefinite amount of time, but the plan is to start my own business. I have a few ideas (within property) that are workable and I am exploring further - they are time sensitive to an extent. One is a new estate agency model, another is property development and finally a new property service that isn't currently offered in the UK. I am not firm on any of these ideas at the moment or wholly committed to property. I am keeping my options open for now.
At this point, the detail of those ideas isn't important but hopefully gives an idea of industry and timescales - i.e it doesn't need to happen tomorrow but can't wait years. Ultimately, I am very relaxed about my future.
My question is, should I crack straight on with a startup or take some time out? Time out could be a month, 3 months or a year. If I took some time out, what should I do? Cycle across Europe? Go to Thailand and work in a bar for 3 months? Sit on a beach? Be a deckhand on a yacht? Start a real time thread allowing PH to vote day by day on my next move? Or, should I knuckle down immediately and get to work?
I am sure there are some older/wiser heads on here who've had a similar situation before and can offer advice with the benefit of hindsight.
If I did take some time out, I'd have a spare £5-10k to be able to spend on whatever it is I do, plus any money I earned if I worked.
Difficult to give an exact answer and only you can choose, personally if I were you I'd take a few months to nail down the business plan as you seem a little unsure about exactly what you're going to do.I do have some opportunities to be employed in property that will be there for an indefinite amount of time, but the plan is to start my own business. I have a few ideas (within property) that are workable and I am exploring further - they are time sensitive to an extent. One is a new estate agency model, another is property development and finally a new property service that isn't currently offered in the UK. I am not firm on any of these ideas at the moment or wholly committed to property. I am keeping my options open for now.
At this point, the detail of those ideas isn't important but hopefully gives an idea of industry and timescales - i.e it doesn't need to happen tomorrow but can't wait years. Ultimately, I am very relaxed about my future.
My question is, should I crack straight on with a startup or take some time out? Time out could be a month, 3 months or a year. If I took some time out, what should I do? Cycle across Europe? Go to Thailand and work in a bar for 3 months? Sit on a beach? Be a deckhand on a yacht? Start a real time thread allowing PH to vote day by day on my next move? Or, should I knuckle down immediately and get to work?
I am sure there are some older/wiser heads on here who've had a similar situation before and can offer advice with the benefit of hindsight.
If I did take some time out, I'd have a spare £5-10k to be able to spend on whatever it is I do, plus any money I earned if I worked.
Once that's in place take maybe a few months to relax and travel a bit, come back enthused and focus on getting the business going.
I left my job at the end of October last year; same as you - 33, no plans but had the means to support time off of up to 1 year. The last 9 months have been the most stress-free, pleasurable time of my life. Done a fair bit of travelling (Japan, Canada, and Korea) and helped some friends and family with projects (best friend was renovating his house/grounds, dad is renovating a Jensen). Need to get back into the mindset of finding work (it's a hard thing to do after so much time out) but if you can afford to take a little time I'd highly recommend it. Just be prepared for everyone you know asking if you've started looking/found a job/started your business yet.
Edited by parabolica on Monday 7th August 13:32
I set up on my own about 3 years ago and, whilst enjoyable, its a 24/7 commitment whereby I am never able to have a proper switched off holiday. Yes, the versatility of running my own gig means I now enjoy large swathes of time in sunnier climes working from beaches and poolsides, but I am still working every day in some way or another, even if its just remotely checking on emails. I cannot see that now changing until I sell up or retire (hopefully both).
If I had the chance again, I would be minded to enjoy a lengthy break before starting the venture.
If I had the chance again, I would be minded to enjoy a lengthy break before starting the venture.
General consensus is time out, with one vote for drink loads of cola and play rugby.
I think my head says time out is the best option, it will help me focus but also refresh after 10+ years of working in sales. I think the only thing stopping me from taking the time out is the feeling of not progressing and being productive. I need to re-evaluate that thought process and measure progress in ways other than working hours.
I think my head says time out is the best option, it will help me focus but also refresh after 10+ years of working in sales. I think the only thing stopping me from taking the time out is the feeling of not progressing and being productive. I need to re-evaluate that thought process and measure progress in ways other than working hours.
Pick a challenge.
If you are reasonably fit, this is a stunning hike - 10-14 days Chamonix to Zermatt. September is the latest you can do it (generally)
https://besthike.com/europe/alps/haute-route/
Tour of Mont Blanc is similar, though more crowded.
If you are reasonably fit, this is a stunning hike - 10-14 days Chamonix to Zermatt. September is the latest you can do it (generally)
https://besthike.com/europe/alps/haute-route/
Tour of Mont Blanc is similar, though more crowded.
Do both... take a world trip to research your new business ideas/models.
From a business planning point of view the research stage is something most entrepreneurs gloss over (And I do mean research, proper structured focussed research - not prevarication).
Go see how the models you mention work in other countries - ring up similar firms & go see the owners. I know a few people who have done this and had an incredibly warm reception. Aussies & americans in particular - you don't compete with them, they get to show off what they've built warts & all - in some cases the hospitality they got was amazing.
With the ability to show meetings & associated correspondance - I'm sure a good accountant will help ensure legitimate expenses incurred are dealt with in a tax efficient manner too...
From a business planning point of view the research stage is something most entrepreneurs gloss over (And I do mean research, proper structured focussed research - not prevarication).
Go see how the models you mention work in other countries - ring up similar firms & go see the owners. I know a few people who have done this and had an incredibly warm reception. Aussies & americans in particular - you don't compete with them, they get to show off what they've built warts & all - in some cases the hospitality they got was amazing.
With the ability to show meetings & associated correspondance - I'm sure a good accountant will help ensure legitimate expenses incurred are dealt with in a tax efficient manner too...
red_slr said:
I would think long and hard before you try and start a business, esp in property. Unless you already have a property portfolio or family that does it could be a rough ride the next few years. I would say taking a few months off to travel will be the least of your worries. HTH!
I have worked in property for the last 8 years, my family has owned property related businesses for about 30 years and continues to do so and there is a healthy property portfolio. But, with all that said the reason I am leaving the family businesses and going it alone is I want to build my own rather than look after somebody elses. I'll certainly be using their experience to help me along the way, but not be employed by them.All that said, whatever I do next isn't certain to be property but it would be a natural progression.
Cob1 said:
Do both... take a world trip to research your new business ideas/models.
From a business planning point of view the research stage is something most entrepreneurs gloss over (And I do mean research, proper structured focussed research - not prevarication).
Go see how the models you mention work in other countries - ring up similar firms & go see the owners. I know a few people who have done this and had an incredibly warm reception. Aussies & americans in particular - you don't compete with them, they get to show off what they've built warts & all - in some cases the hospitality they got was amazing.
With the ability to show meetings & associated correspondance - I'm sure a good accountant will help ensure legitimate expenses incurred are dealt with in a tax efficient manner too...
Not a bad idea at all, one of the ideas is definitely offered abroad quite widely but just not adopted in the UK. Travel and research is a good way to be productive while stepping away from the daily grind to adopt other ideas/lessons.From a business planning point of view the research stage is something most entrepreneurs gloss over (And I do mean research, proper structured focussed research - not prevarication).
Go see how the models you mention work in other countries - ring up similar firms & go see the owners. I know a few people who have done this and had an incredibly warm reception. Aussies & americans in particular - you don't compete with them, they get to show off what they've built warts & all - in some cases the hospitality they got was amazing.
With the ability to show meetings & associated correspondance - I'm sure a good accountant will help ensure legitimate expenses incurred are dealt with in a tax efficient manner too...
BoRED S2upid said:
Do the thing where we vote on what you do each day like a real life dice man. I loved that book.
I'm sure there would be money to be made by having some sort of social media challenge where you let people decide in real time how to live your life. The ultimate reality show.I don't think I have the looks or body to attract the masses though, which is pretty necessary to engage the target demographic!!
Vaud said:
Pick a challenge.
If you are reasonably fit, this is a stunning hike - 10-14 days Chamonix to Zermatt. September is the latest you can do it (generally)
https://besthike.com/europe/alps/haute-route/
Tour of Mont Blanc is similar, though more crowded.
I went to Chamonix in March skiing and also Aguille du midi, thoroughly recommend a visit.If you are reasonably fit, this is a stunning hike - 10-14 days Chamonix to Zermatt. September is the latest you can do it (generally)
https://besthike.com/europe/alps/haute-route/
Tour of Mont Blanc is similar, though more crowded.
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