> I also recommend that if you're going to quit and you like your job but just need some extended time off - talk with your manager! Mine wasn't very agreeable to a sabbatical on the timeframe I wanted, but

Securing that much time off is nearly impossible at many places.

> my SO was able to secure 6 months of PAID time off just by talking to her manager about what was going on with her and her plans to leave (keep in mind her case may be unique due to cancer and working for the company for 8+ years).

Don't be fooled by management's "kind" gesture. Your SO's cancer, while horrible, got her the six-month paid leave, not the eight years at the company.