When can I quit? ;)

[Grumpy Bear]

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Ok so here's the deal:

I've been working for one year in clinical research, which has been cool in terms of patient contact, but the tedium of paperwork and filing, etc has been getting to me all summer. I feel like I've learned a lot about working with patients and becoming more organized, but lately it's been mostly brain-numbing. I've always planned on leaving well before I begin M1 so that I can have time to do a bunch of things I've always wanted to do, but never have had the time. Specifically, I want to travel, do a clinical service trip abroad, paint, read, etc. I worry that I won't have very much time for these kinds of things after med school starts, and I can certainly use the recharging beforehand. I've never taken any time "off" in my life... I've worked every summer and began work the monday after graduation last year.
Anyway, my question is, when would be an "acceptable" time to quit and pursue other things? Would there be any stigma associated with this as far as med schools are concerned? Will it look like I can't stick with things? My apps are all in, and interviews are trickling in. I was going to wait until I had an acceptance, but I also want to give a month or two notice so that I can train my replacement. I'd kind of like to be out by January so that I have a better chance of subletting my apartment and so that I can go on vacation with my family.
Any advice is greatly appreciated.

 

[coldchemist]

If you're going to quit so that you can travel, read, paint, etc. and you actually end up doing those things, there won't be any stigma at all. In fact, it might be beneficial for them to see that you don't prioritize work above all else.

It really doesn't matter when you quit as long as you can convince the jury that you planned to quit, and for a good reason.