4 ms·

So let's say you get laid off and you've got a year's worth of savings in the bank. Spending the next six months burning half of that with nothing but memories

So let's say you get laid off and you've got a year's worth of savings in the bank. Spending the next six months burning half of that with nothing but memories to show for it is really terrible advice! That stash of money is a precious asset. It's the thing that will obviate the need for any special mental tricks to take job interviews without fear and negotiate salary and working conditions from a strong bargaining position. I'm not saying you shouldn't spend six months in Thailand if that's what you want to do. But, unless you are already independently wealthy, only do it after you have arranged for some kind of income while you are there.

sokoloff 10y ago
What's the point of having a year's worth of savings if it's all sacrosanct? It's there to be spent on rainy days. I agree that sitting in a coffee shop drinking and smoking the days away isn't a good idea, but by all means take some time to decompress and get your head right after a blow to the ego and psyche that getting laid off might represent. 3 months in, you've still got more runway than most job seekers and can still interview and negotiate from a neutral position. You don't have to go walking in tail between your legs and begging for a job to put food on the table.
- rwallace 10y ago
  Huh, looks like that was very much not what people want to hear. Fine, it's your money and your life, do as you wish.
- cossatot 10y ago
  Put it in the bank and do it for 3x as long in your 60s
  - totalZero 10y ago
    If you do it in your thirties then the moments of self reflection and wealth of unfamiliar experiences will color the way you think for the rest of your life and career.
  - adrinavarro 10y ago
    If you are OK with that train of thought, then you most likely won't bother going away in your 60s for any other reason (being old, not fit, family, kids… whatever). So, it all looks like an argument for people who don't want to ever get out of their comfort zone even though they can clearly afford it.
cloudjacker 10y ago
Live a little. One day your "responsible money stash" will drop in value by 20% and you notice all of the material goods and experiences you COULD HAVE enjoyed now, except you were saving everything to enjoy them at some future time but in vain. I've never done the 6 month thing, but there is a compromise possible.

sokoloff 10y ago

What's the point of having a year's worth of savings if it's all sacrosanct? It's there to be spent on rainy days. I agree that sitting in a coffee shop drinking and smoking the days away isn't a good idea, but by all means take some time to decompress and get your head right after a blow to the ego and psyche that getting laid off might represent. 3 months in, you've still got more runway than most job seekers and can still interview and negotiate from a neutral position. You don't have to go walking in tail between your legs and begging for a job to put food on the table.

rwallace 10y ago
Huh, looks like that was very much not what people want to hear. Fine, it's your money and your life, do as you wish.
cossatot 10y ago
Put it in the bank and do it for 3x as long in your 60s
- totalZero 10y ago
  If you do it in your thirties then the moments of self reflection and wealth of unfamiliar experiences will color the way you think for the rest of your life and career.
- adrinavarro 10y ago
  If you are OK with that train of thought, then you most likely won't bother going away in your 60s for any other reason (being old, not fit, family, kids… whatever). So, it all looks like an argument for people who don't want to ever get out of their comfort zone even though they can clearly afford it.

cloudjacker 10y ago

Live a little. One day your "responsible money stash" will drop in value by 20% and you notice all of the material goods and experiences you COULD HAVE enjoyed now, except you were saving everything to enjoy them at some future time but in vain. I've never done the 6 month thing, but there is a compromise possible.