You missed the point, like you did in those drafts. The point is that you get paid for work that you do. You are well entitled to take a long break whenever you want but do that by putting in your papers. When at a senior level you go on a sabbatical a team will not look for a long term replacement. Also, no firm is going to stop you if you tell them you are going to join another firm. The firm's generally offer sabbatical if you are thinking of going in-house, starting your now business or just wish to travel (or may be prepare for a competitive exam). Taking a break and joining another firm was certainly not on cards as far as any firm management is concerned. And no I am not from the Shroff family.