After the first surgery I was signed off for 2 weeks, after the second one (last Friday) that was a bit more extensive I was given 3 weeks.
I also have a desk job and for me going back to the work after 2 weeks was ok, even though for the first few days I was very tired after coming back home.
Everybody's different but when I was doing my research and from personal experience I see that in general if it's just cyst removal, women tend to go back to work after 1-2 weeks, assuming they take it easy and it's not a physical job.

Smaller cysts do often get absorbed by our body naturally. But the big ones like yours, especially the 8cm one are way more likely to continue growing and should be removed due to rupture risk.
Removing them can help you with becoming pregnant.
I'm sure that if your doctor is an endo specialist, he'll guide you through your options.
Also, I had a couple of endometrioma removal surgeries and seen a couple of specialists about it so if you have any questions feel free to reach out.

I have read a lot about NAC and there is a study posted from Italy in 2013 where many women saw either shrinkage or a reduction in symptoms. I am really hopeful that, along with supplements and diet help. :)

This question is for Nachbet. Where was the endometrioma? Mine is on an ovary. Do endo specialists have better tools to preserve your ovaries and uterus or are they likely to just recommend cutting things out?

With the removal surgeries, how was the recovery process for you? I am taking a guess that my GYN will recommend surgery, and am wondering how long to book off work. I work a desk job.