I have 4 years experience in the finance function of an investment bank and I'm currently exploring opportunities within FS consulting... It's very much early stages right now-I've been put forward for a few roles and have sent my CV to some firms, but I'm aware that the process of landing a new job could take several months.As things stand I'm pretty fed up with my current role, I'm not learning anything new or picking up any valuable experience that will add to my CV and constantly having one eye on leaving means the motivation simply isn't there anymore.I have a 2 month notice period, and I'm seriously considering handing my notice in before securing a new job. I've never done the whole travelling thing so I'm quite keen to take some time out to pursue this. The plan is to take ~4-6 weeks out abroad and then return and take a temp role while I continue applying for jobs.How would this be perceived by prospective employers? - if I manage to secure any interviews during my 2 month notice period and I make it known that I've already handed my notice in I'm worried that this may go against me? i.e it could be seen as a pretty foolish/drastic thing to do, and also if I'm asked what I intend to do if I don't secure a role I'm worried that it may show a lack of focus.Essentially-after a period of travelling/temping would I be deemed less employable? If this is likely to have a significantly adverse impact on my CV I'd forgo the travelling plans and take the more conventional approach i.e stick it out and continue to apply for roles.any thoughts?Thanks

I'd say that approach sounds quite risky.My suggestion would be to keep applying and not to hand in your notice until you have a confirmed offer. You could try to negotiate a start date 4 weeks ahead of when you will have finished your current role, allowing you to travel safe in the knowledge a new job awaits your return. Your firm may also let you leave/put you on gardening leave before the 2 months is out and that, combined with any spare annual leave you have left could provide the gap you're looking for.If you hand in your notice now, and don't secure a job before you want to travel, it may sour your travel experience and the temp job may become a lot longer than you were first hoping for.It may be boring where you are, but it's solid experience for the CV and shouldn't hold you back from the type of consulting roles you're after.Good luck

Have to say I agree with Corona. Your negotiating position with any potential employer is significantly weakened if they know you are time-pressured to secure an offer. If you end up with a period on your CV when you are between jobs or just temping that doesn't look nearly as compelling as your current unbroken CV. So for these and other reasons I would say definitely don't resign before securing a written offer.Some alternative options for you:- could you secure a period of unpaid leave from your current employer to allow you to go travelling but with the security that you'll then be returning to paid employment and returning revitalised to pursue your career change ambitions? Most employers are very receptive to this. You then don't have any break in your employment record on your CV and you get to fit in the travelling you aspire to.- whilst a lot of hiring in consulting right now is to fill specific requirements in the business (and therefore having a period to travel before starting isn't ideal), within the FS consulting practices there is a genuine shortage of candidates and so I think you'd find if you got to offer stage with a consultancy then you requesting a start date that incorporates a month of travel time wouldn't be an issue. In other practices it would be, but because of the talent shortages in FS I think you'd find firms accommodating here if it means they secure you as a hire.Good luck.Tony RestellTop-Consultant.com

Your intentions seem a little unfocused to be fair. Yes it is risky to leave a role without another lined up - but what amount of risk you can take on is dependent on your circumstances (mortgage, family and other commitments for example). But I dont think simply being a bit bored in your current role calls for drastic action.It's nearly the holiday anyway. My advice would be sit tight until you can have a break and reflect on whether it's your current role which is boring you or that boredom is the symptom of a broader sense of detachment with what you do for a living. If it's just tedium look internally for more responsibility - your line managers may be only too happy for you to broaden your skills and take up more workload which reduces the hiring burden on the firm. If you do decide to leave without a role to go to, at least do it for the right reasons - or at least for something compelling which will reassure you it's the right decision when the inevitable doubts come to mind a few days later.