I do this every few years, though increasingly it seems I'm not alone. Do it. Travel, take up hobbies, explore side projects, potential alternative careers or

I do this every few years, though increasingly it seems I'm not alone. Do it. Travel, take up hobbies, explore side projects, potential alternative careers or just make your bed, tidy the house and get some exercise in. Try and make it a little constructive. You've put away a decent amount of money, now's the time to take the mental pay off which that security buys. When you're ready work opportunities will still be there. I tend not to tell too many friends or even relatives what I'm up to - many can't understand the luxury of being able to afford to it, or the feeling of needing to do it. Those I do tell I often call it a sabbatical - seems to fit within their mental model more easily then. Life's too short.