1. "I've spent half my life studying and working my way up to where I am now..."
2. "And I do want to take some time off for myself, like you said."
3. "If possible, I'd like to take this opportunity to try my hand at working for a smaller establishment, even just for a little bit."
4. "...well, if that's what you want to do then I can't really stop you there."
5. "If you need any additional recommendations, documents... Anything, really--I could provide those to you once you've found a place to settle into."
6. "Or even if you do decide to come back at some point, I want you to know that you'll always be welcome here."