<p>I am currently employed as of June 08. </p>
<p>I want to quit my job in October of 08 and go travel out of country until April 09. </p>
<p>If i am looking for a job NOW, Is it possible to find a job that starts in May 09? </p>
<p>How negotiable are start dates usually? 1 year is kind of a long time. </p>
<p>But, i would feel much more comfortable having a job waiting for me when i am out of country rather than finding one when i get back, as that could take a few months.</p>
<p>Hi wbb – If you enjoy your current position and are satisfied with it, can’t you just take a long leave of absence, without pay of course, rather than just quitting in October? You could surely let your employer know that you have every intention of staying, and that this a one time thing. I’ve heard of employees taking leave of absence for up to four months if they had a legitimate reason. And no, not just for maternity leave, for other reasons as well.</p>
<p>But if you really want to look for a new position that will allow you to start in May 09, you are right, not all companies will allow you the freedom to start at a time that is convenient for you - they may want you immediately - but you can discuss this with any future employer. Let them know the circumstances of your travel. I suppose you could always make up a legitimate reason for your travel. They may or may not allow it.</p>
<p>I would say August is an adequate time to start looking. Now, understand that companies often don’t hire so far before the start date unless it’s a high level position, like a CEO role for example, which are hired months before starting, but you want to make sure that you are in town and available for interviews before you leave, so that is the only way I see it possible to start planning beforehand. Otherwise, you could just wait until you get back, and yes, that could take time. I don’t see the economy improving between now and then, so it very well could take anywhere from a few weeks to several months to get hired, depending on your field.</p>
<p>Good luck!</p>
<p>That would be cool to just pack up and leave, haha. I would do it too if I weren’t starting my first job soon. :)</p>