Question about taking a break between jobs

[KingGheedora]

I'm being offered a position with a small startup, comprised of people who used to work in the company I work for now. It's basically an entire department breaking off and doing the same thing but as their own company. I'm the only employee from the current company who isn't part of that department, but they have worked with me in the past and approached me for a position.

They are willing to let me stay at present company for 2-4 months to give them ample time to transition for my leaving. I want to take a couple weeks break between the two positions, as basically an unpaid vacation. My question is, would this reflect poorly upon me? They will know my end date at present company, and as part of the package, vacation taken as part of present company will basically transfer over to the new position, meaning total # of vacation days is the same, and time i took off this year under present company will count against vacation days in new company.

Would it seem like "oh this guy is taking a freaking vacation before even working a day for us? Is he trying to get extra vacation by taking that time off between jobs, and then still having a ton of vacation days to use?"

 

[Snakexor]

if they want you to work for them it should not be a problem.

 

[bctbct]

Sure its a solid offer? They seem pretty relax about you actually coming to work for them.

 

[TheGizmo]

yea, as an independent start-up company i would think you have more lee-way for things like this. if nothing else, use the old my grandmother died and i have to go to <insert foreign country here> for a 3 week-long ceremony.

edit: and yes, 3 week ceremonies really do exist.. or if you don't think they will go for that, tell them she is on her deathbed and her only wish was for you to be there while she passed away.. that will water their eyes.. guaranteed to work. TheGizmo approved.

 

[KingGheedora]

Originally posted by: bctbct
Sure its a solid offer? They seem pretty relax about you actually coming to work for them.

Solid in what respect? I'm getting an offer letter, and would not give notice to current position until I signed and handed that letter in, if that's what you mean.

 

[skyking]

This is a perfect opportunity for a nice break, IMO. talk to them and see.

 

[AccruedExpenditure]

I'm pretty sure what your co-workers are doing is illegal... how long ago did they leave said company.

 

[KingGheedora]

Originally posted by: AccruedExpenditure
I'm pretty sure what your co-workers are doing is illegal... how long ago did they leave said company.

No, their actions are sanctioned by the parent company.

EDIT: Wait, what part of it do you think is illegal, recruiting me, or breaking off?

 

[vrbaba]

Originally posted by: KingGheedora

Originally posted by: AccruedExpenditure
I'm pretty sure what your co-workers are doing is illegal... how long ago did they leave said company.

No, their actions are sanctioned by the parent company.

EDIT: Wait, what part of it do you think is illegal, recruiting me, or breaking off?

I think hes talking about breaking off...

I thought so too at first, but they sanctioned their leave and sanctioned working the same work they were doing as part of the company now? If its all sanctioned, shouldnt be a problem. But there might be clauses in your contract or their contract, that they cant approach another person within the parent company to join them...within a certain amount of time. Thats what usually most companies would do.

I would get answers to those and make sure its completely fine with both parties before taking any action

 

[AreaCode707]

Most people completely understand the impulse and would rather have you come fresh and enthusiastic to the new job. That way they also know you aren't going to use your vacation time right off. Ask for two weeks and see what they say.

(The better way to do it might be to see if your old company will let you take off a couple weeks early, if that's possible. You're giving them an insanely long notice if you are staying 4 months...)

 

[mercanucaribe]

Why would it reflect poorly on you? Shoot, if I find a job where I want to relocate to, I'm going to resign immediately and have the rest of the time after the 2 weeks as an unpaid vacation.

 

[HardcoreRobot]

just make sure you have arrangments to keep your health insurance valid while you are in btw jobs

def dont want that to lapse

 

[KingGheedora]

Originally posted by: vrbaba

Originally posted by: KingGheedora

Originally posted by: AccruedExpenditure
I'm pretty sure what your co-workers are doing is illegal... how long ago did they leave said company.

No, their actions are sanctioned by the parent company.

EDIT: Wait, what part of it do you think is illegal, recruiting me, or breaking off?

I think hes talking about breaking off...

I thought so too at first, but they sanctioned their leave and sanctioned working the same work they were doing as part of the company now? If its all sanctioned, shouldnt be a problem. But there might be clauses in your contract or their contract, that they cant approach another person within the parent company to join them...within a certain amount of time. Thats what usually most companies would do.

I would get answers to those and make sure its completely fine with both parties before taking any action

Well, yeah, that part is all sorted out between the respective heads of the two companies. There is a two way restriction on headhunting between the companies, but the child company got permission before approaching me.

 

[athithi]

It's fairly common to take a short break between jobs. In fact, it's often a good idea, so you can start with your new employer refreshed and eager to start working. 2 weeks is about right. I wouldn't try to give some silly excuse. The real reason is good enough.

 

[KingGheedora]

Thanks. I'm not looking for an excuse, I was just wondering if it would seem weird to take a break as my first action.

 

[athithi]

Originally posted by: KingGheedora
Thanks. I'm not looking for an excuse, I was just wondering if it would seem weird to take a break as my first action.

Now, if you were interviewing for a position, I wouldn't recommend that you ask about taking a break before joining But since you already have the job and there seems to be quite some time before you need to start, you would really not be affecting either your current position (assuming you will complete all your assignments and transition before you leave) or your new position (since they seem to be fine with you starting months from now). Your break would be over before your new job started, so it would not be your first action.

Unless you are obliged both ways - to leave only after a specific date and to start by a specific date - AND the two dates are less than 2 weeks apart, I don't see any reason why either employer should have a problem with you taking a break, especially since neither of them have to pay for it.

EDIT: In other words, give a start date to the spin-off company and then negotiate with the parent company to leave 2 weeks early, promising to meet your commitments before you leave.

 

[KingGheedora]

Update: Here's what I said to the spin-off (they asked me about my start date in an email): "I'm thinking of doing two more months at <parent company>, and then taking a two week break before starting this new position. How does July 2nd (Monday) sound?"

They're cool with this.

I decided to limit my stay at parent company to two months. I don't want to drag out that experience longer than necessary. Two months is already plenty of time. I had no guilt asking for the two week break once I decided to cut down the transition period with parent company.

 

[imported_sicko]

Tell them you have some drug problems and need to check yourself into rehab.