Long Term Time Off

**TheBigYinJames** · 10 July 2008, 12:38

Originally posted by phayes View Post

Is there anything I need to watch out for or be aware of.

Herpes.

**expat** · 10 July 2008, 12:48

Originally posted by phayes View Post

Hi,

I usually take 3 months off each year to pursue my sport abroad, I have never usually had any problems getting a new contract when i get back, as a limited company i continue to have my salary paid into my personal account monthly.

This year I plan on taking 6 months off due to this country becoming rather depressing, plus I need the break.

I am leasing my house out for the duration I am away and have stock piled enough money for my return as a buffer before getting my next contract.

VAT/PAYE is all done online by myself with help from my accountant.

Plus I am taking my laptop and learning a new skillset while away to keep my skills sharp.

Is there anything I need to watch out for or be aware of.

Regards.

Paul.

That it won't be any less depressing when you come back?

Seriously, that any mail especially from HMRC will be answered promptly by somebody. Things can escalate quite a lot in 6 months, if somebody (who may not even have mailed to the right place) starts to get the idea that you have skipped.

**ratewhore** · 10 July 2008, 13:05

Originally posted by TheBigYinJames View Post

Herpes.

class

6 months isn't long term. Don't sweat it...

**bobsmithldn** · 10 July 2008, 13:07

Originally posted by phayes View Post

Hi,

Is there anything I need to watch out for or be aware of.

Regards.

Paul.

Nice one - I'm on my 3rd month off - very nice ...

However, why are you asking for things to watch out for - surely no difference between 3 and 6m off!?!

**phayes** · 10 July 2008, 13:12

I know i will have to do my VAT returns and pay them quarterly, just want to make sure the administration runs smoothly with no suprises when i get back.

I will have internet access to run the business, but i will be far away if anything serious I may have missed.

**rootsnall** · 10 July 2008, 13:44

Shut your Co down, almost certainly cost effective and a lot less hastle once you are away. I used to do 6 months away and a couple of times it turned into a year or two. Starting up a new Co on your return is a doddle.

**ace00** · 10 July 2008, 14:13

CV gap.
But you can extend out your last contract to make it look better.
Having said that I did 5 months off both of the last 2 years and it took me 3 weeks to get a contract each time.

**phayes** · 10 July 2008, 14:47

Yeh, that is one main concern is CV gap, but i was honest and said i was abroad doing my thing, this time I am developing a DNN site while away for a company for peanuts, this way I have something to show my next gig together with keeping my skills fresh.

but even after having gaps in the past i have had no issue getting another contract, the only thing i did find was my brain was not 100% last time i came back.

**Ollie** · 10 July 2008, 14:51

You gonna go be a porn star for 6 months... cool

Long Term Time Off