• Two former ANZ Bank coworkers shared how they took a surf camp trip to Bali after being laid off. • Both received generous severance packages and used the break to recharge after decades of working. • Their getaway helped them reset, and they see themselves taking similar trips again.

This as-told-to essay is based on conversations with Heath Kitson and William Lu, who worked at ANZ Bank in the company's Melbourne office. The essay has been edited for length and clarity.

Heath Kitson: I managed a team of data analysts, and I was at ANZ for seven years before I was laid off a couple of months ago.

William Lu: I was at the bank for eleven years, and I reported to Heath.

I've always said to people that it's been one of my dreams to be made redundant and enjoy some time off, but when

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