Thread by @cornett

Question from #AMA:
"Every few years I've found myself burnt out and taken a sabbatical/mini-retirement (usually 1 year off after ~3 working). I am recharged and enthusiastic about what's next but concerned about putting my best foot forward;"

"…how do you recommend I account for and present these gaps to get the positions I covet?"

First, I applaud you for recognizing that taking a gap is healthy.

It helps clear your head, especially if the last job wasn't so great or you were in a toxic environment.

It recharges you.

I wrote about this here:
link.medium.com/p1ZZazOzf0

I have some suggestions in that article for making the most of your time between jobs.

I also believe that you need to own the narrative around your gaps.

One recommendation that I make to my clients — and did myself — is to start a consulting practice.

As soon as you leave a job, update your LinkedIn with your new consulting practice.

It's simplest to do under your own name (e.g., Miller Design Agency).

However, you can spin up a more formal biz name as a sole proprietorship or LLC.

Add some bullet points that highlight what you do for clients.

Spin up a basic website using WordPress, Squarespace, or Wix so people can find you, see what you do, and contact you.

Now, it's up to you how hard you pursue this new business and land clients.

You could do a little here and there, or go all in. It depends on your goals and financial cushion during the gap.

The point is, you no longer have "gaps." Keep your business up and running (no end date on LinkedIn) and it is always there between jobs.

That's how you control your narrative.

You took a break from the corporate world to explore a new domain, learn something new, work with some exciting clients (heck, even stealth ones), and you were active.

You wanted this time and made the most of it. Be proud of that!