Career Break Runway Calculator: How Long Could You Step Away?

Your numbers

Currency

Savings you could use (not retirement accounts)

Safety buffer you won't touch

Monthly costs during the break After any cuts you'd realistically make.

Income you'd still have per month Freelance, rent, partner's contribution. Be cautious.

One-off costs (course, equipment, travel)

This week one of the top posts in r/AskWomenOver30 asked women who left a comfortable, stable life in their 30s to take a risk whether it was worth it. The woman asking described herself as single, earning well at a job she loves, and still feeling stuck. Another top post came from a 32-year-old who had "done everything I was supposed to do" and felt bored and empty anyway.

Whether to leap is your call. How long you could stay afloat is maths, and doing the maths first tends to make the decision calmer either way. This calculator keeps a safety buffer you promise not to touch, and tells you how many months the rest would last.

Not financial advice. No guaranteed returns. This tool gives a rough illustration based only on the numbers you type. It is educational, not financial, investment, tax, legal or insurance advice. Rules and prices differ by country and change over time; check official sources (e.g. IRS, GOV.UK, HMRC) or a qualified, licensed professional before making decisions.

Questions to answer before you hand in notice

What would a good outcome look like at month three? At the end of the runway?
What's the smallest test you could run while still employed: a weekend course, a side project, a few conversations with people already doing it?
If the runway ends and it hasn't worked, what's Plan B, and how long would it take to start?
Who are the two people you'll be honest with about how it's going?

None of these is a reason not to go. They just make it a decision instead of an escape.

Questions people ask

Should I count retirement savings?

This calculator leaves them out on purpose. Taking money out of retirement accounts early can come with tax and penalties, and the rules differ by country. Speak to a qualified adviser before considering it.

What about insurance or National Insurance gaps?

Add any extra monthly costs you would take on, such as replacing cover your employer provided in the US, or voluntary contributions in the UK, to your monthly costs. Check official guidance for your situation.