Bagpuss - You are leaving this job because the opportunity no longer suits your goals. Don't EVER bad mouth an employer. It is a giant red flag that marks you as a potential problem. I took a tear off for depression. My interview story was that my company downsized (true) and my severance package allowed me to take some time off (almost true). having worked or gone to school full time since the age of 14, I allowed myself the time off to relax and re think my career choices. Always turn a negative into a positive. And always present it so matter of factly that the interviewer accepts the logic of iot and moves on. If you are not comfortable with your time off, they won't be. On the other hand, my brother was out of work for almost five years. He was very up front about his depression and recovery. And sold his recovery as the best thing that could have happened to him. In his case, it was important to have people to support his story - former co-workers, people he worked for part time, etc. Bagpuss, if you would like to get in touch with him, I can arrange it and he will be supportive.