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I'm not the guy you asked, but given the way that things are going right now, if you're currently gainfully employed and not miserable, then you should continue

I'm not the guy you asked, but given the way that things are going right now, if you're currently gainfully employed and not miserable, then you should continue banking money for as long as you can. For every romantic story you read about someone selling their stuff and striking out into the world, there are a bunch more stories of people who ruined a reasonable life trajectory chasing a vague dream or simply fleeing discontent. Talking to a therapist and practicing gratitude is a lot cheaper than burning through life savings. That said, if you're genuinely miserable in your life and career, definitely pursue changes. You should probably consult professionals (therapists, life coaches) in that case, too.

pjc50 1y ago
I feel that young people having a Big Adventure Before Settling Down is very traditional, the sort of thing that adds "life experience" even if (especially if) some of the experiences are difficult. But it does need to be cheap. And the 21st century crackdown on worker mobility has made it much harder to have a proper international adventure.
daxfohl 1y ago
Admittedly there can be some survivorship bias in the stories one hears about, but anecdotally I know several people who have taken time off from their careers and zero have regretted it. On the converse side, I know lots of people who never took time off but wish they had. (I also know plenty of people who never took time off because "time off" isn't in their DNA, but they're not the ones who are considering the option). Yeah there's a danger that this tech recession is "permanent" somehow, but I took mine in the midst of the dotcom crash and by the time I came back (three years later), the economy had recovered. I think tech will always come back. And if it doesn't, then maybe getting out early and having time to reflect will allow you a head start on whatever your next pivot is.

pjc50 1y ago

I feel that young people having a Big Adventure Before Settling Down is very traditional, the sort of thing that adds "life experience" even if (especially if) some of the experiences are difficult. But it does need to be cheap. And the 21st century crackdown on worker mobility has made it much harder to have a proper international adventure.

daxfohl 1y ago

Admittedly there can be some survivorship bias in the stories one hears about, but anecdotally I know several people who have taken time off from their careers and zero have regretted it. On the converse side, I know lots of people who never took time off but wish they had. (I also know plenty of people who never took time off because "time off" isn't in their DNA, but they're not the ones who are considering the option). Yeah there's a danger that this tech recession is "permanent" somehow, but I took mine in the midst of the dotcom crash and by the time I came back (three years later), the economy had recovered. I think tech will always come back. And if it doesn't, then maybe getting out early and having time to reflect will allow you a head start on whatever your next pivot is.