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I know I’m going to get downvoted and some people will find this comment bitter, but all this applies only if you’ve got money around. Good for him and his fami

I know I’m going to get downvoted and some people will find this comment bitter, but all this applies only if you’ve got money around. Good for him and his family. I’m not jealous, just stating the fact that he’s fortunate to be able to take a break. Many people need a work break or a sabbatical, to avoid burnout and/or to help the family, but what can you do when you have expenses running and you’re not lucky (or brave/talented/capable) enough to have a high paying job like our colleagues in US? This might apply to some “top” countries where software engineers have enough money to afford the luxury of a break, but try doing the same while living in any other country on an average salary :-( Not all of HN readers are from US or with a 6-7 figure salary ;-)

throwaway22032 4y ago
It doesn't come across as bitter, it's just a bit obvious. Articles about long distance runners don't apply to bodybuilders. Probably not paralympian swimmers either.
tayo42 4y ago
Even if you make a lot in the US health insurance is so expensive it makes it financially difficult. 400-800 a month depending on how much you want to gamble with deductibles.
tasuki 4y ago
The other side of this is of course that when you're from a poorer country, if you can manage to land a job anywhere near US compensation levels, it can be very good financially. Source: I'm from/in Eastern Europe.
- NKosmatos 4y ago
  Totally agree with this. The current situation with many remote/WFH open positions, gives us from poorer countries (I'm from Southern Europe, Greece) the possibility to get a "good" paying job from EU or US.
ipython 4y ago
I often think about this, but to be frank, I can’t do anything directly about the inequalities inherent in our current global economic system. I try to help in my local community and donate money to worthy causes (one of my favorites is world central kitchen) Trying to focus too much on this doesn’t help me or the system. I just recognize how blessed I am and move on.

throwaway22032 4y ago

It doesn't come across as bitter, it's just a bit obvious. Articles about long distance runners don't apply to bodybuilders. Probably not paralympian swimmers either.

tayo42 4y ago

Even if you make a lot in the US health insurance is so expensive it makes it financially difficult. 400-800 a month depending on how much you want to gamble with deductibles.

tasuki 4y ago

The other side of this is of course that when you're from a poorer country, if you can manage to land a job anywhere near US compensation levels, it can be very good financially. Source: I'm from/in Eastern Europe.

NKosmatos 4y ago
Totally agree with this. The current situation with many remote/WFH open positions, gives us from poorer countries (I'm from Southern Europe, Greece) the possibility to get a "good" paying job from EU or US.

ipython 4y ago

I often think about this, but to be frank, I can’t do anything directly about the inequalities inherent in our current global economic system. I try to help in my local community and donate money to worthy causes (one of my favorites is world central kitchen) Trying to focus too much on this doesn’t help me or the system. I just recognize how blessed I am and move on.