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After years in big tech, Bengaluru man quits Google to take 'much-needed' career break: 'I’ll be off the radar'

A Bengaluru man, who spent over 4 years at Google and has more than a decade of experience across major tech firms, has quit his job to take career break.

Updated on: Apr 08, 2026 4:40 PM IST
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In recent times, many people are choosing to take a break from their jobs instead of working continuously for years. More and more people are stepping away from stable roles to rest, travel, or focus on themselves. Ashish Chopra, a Bengaluru-based recruiter who spent more than a decade working across big tech firms, has done just that. Chopra, who spent over 4 years at Google and has more than a decade of experience across major tech firms, including Amazon, Philips and Wipro, shared the update in a LinkedIn post that has since caught the attention of many online.

Chopra spent over 4 years at Google and has more than a decade of experience across major tech firms. (LinkedIn/Ashish Chopra)
Chopra spent over 4 years at Google and has more than a decade of experience across major tech firms. (LinkedIn/Ashish Chopra)

“I’m officially leaving Google after nearly 4.5 years to take a much-needed career break. It’s a strange feeling having a blank calendar for the first time in a decade, but I’m filling it with stamps in my passport instead of meetings in my diary,” Chopra wrote.

He added that he plans to stay “off the radar” while travelling across multiple countries and will not be exploring new job opportunities until he returns. “Until then, find me catching up on 10 years of missed sleep. It’s amazing what a lack of alarms can do for the soul!” he said.

Social media reactions

Chopra’s post struck a chord with social media users, many of whom praised his decision to step away from a stable, high-paying role in favour of rest and self-discovery. One user called it a “well-deserved career break,” while another noted that adjusting to an “empty calendar” can be challenging for workaholics but ultimately rewarding.

Reacting to the post, one user wrote, “Congratulations on your well-deserved career break—embracing travel, rest, and self-discovery is the ultimate way to reset, recharge, and return stronger with fresh perspective and global inspiration.

“Congrats on all that you've achieved!! It's an uncomfortable feeling for workaholic to not have work/to have an empty GCal! Haha! So take it slow and enjoy the break one step at a time! Definitely visit Malaysia if possible!” commented another.

“Congrats on such a long run at Google. Taking a break to clear your head and see the world is the best way to recharge for whatever comes next,” wrote a third user.

“I am so glad to see you taking the road less travelled. Wish you the very best on this new journey,” commented one user.

(Also Read: Laid-off Google techie shares reality check: ‘Companies can let you go anytime’)

Rising trend among young professionals

Notably, Chopra’s decision reflects a broader trend among professionals, particularly in the tech industry, who are increasingly opting for planned breaks instead of waiting until retirement to pursue personal goals.

Recently, another Bengaluru-based professional, Harshit Sharma, made headlines after quitting his role at Google to take a year off and “experiment” with life beyond the conventional corporate path. In a detailed LinkedIn post, Sharma said that during his break, he plans to travel, learn new art forms such as music and dance, mentor students, and reconnect with people. “If I fail? I come back to tech with a lifetime of memories,” he wrote, adding that discovering something meaningful along the way would be “a dream come true.

  • Bhavya Sukheja
    ABOUT THE AUTHOR
    Bhavya Sukheja

    Bhavya Sukheja is a Senior Content Producer at Hindustan Times with over 6 years of experience in digital journalism. She specialises in covering stories that reflect everyday human experiences, with a focus on viral videos, social media trends, and human-interest features that inform readers while sparking meaningful conversations. She loves chasing page views and finding stories that tug at readers’ heartstrings. Known for her strong news sense, Bhavya has a keen ability to spot emerging trends and craft angles that transform viral moments into impactful narratives. Her coverage spans pop culture, entertainment, global affairs, and the internet’s most talked-about topics, helping readers better understand the context behind what is trending online. Before joining Hindustan Times, Bhavya worked with Republic World and NDTV, where she developed her skills in real-time reporting and digital storytelling. Working in fast-paced newsrooms helped her build an editorial approach that prioritises accuracy, clarity, and audience engagement. Bhavya is driven by a curiosity about how people communicate and connect in the digital age. She is particularly interested in stories that highlight cultural shifts, shared emotions, and the evolving nature of online conversations. When she is not tracking trends or producing stories, Bhavya enjoys unplugging and spending time with her cat.Read More

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