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I've always planned and managed to take two to four months per year off: between jobs, or simply blocking my freelance-agenda for a few (slower) months. During
by berkes 12y ago
I've always planned and managed to take two to four months per year off: between jobs, or simply blocking my freelance-agenda for a few (slower) months. During these months, I take on a personal project with a certain focus.
I don't force myself to release anything: though shipping is nice. I don't set any hard goal.
Just two, three or even four months of playing around and learning. A new Database-concept. Geocoding. TDD. A new framework or language.
This is not enough to become expert or even good at anything. But it allows me to keep up with the field and ever evolving technologies; I'm a webdeveloper, so my field is rather fast-moving.
And, because I plan this ahead, I can afford the time off (by asking a little more during the rest of the year) and I can actually tell clients "nope, I don't have time the coming X weeks".
- llllllllllll 12y agoI did that basically, but I saved up enough to move to and live comfortably in SE Asia for at least 3 or 4 years. I spend less then $400 a month, so maybe this lifestyle is not for everyone, and it's certainly not feasible with a family, but the move has totally changed my life. Before, I felt stuck and directionless. Now though, after a little less than a year of total freedom, I've finished two big projects that I'm proud of. I have a much wider range of skills and I'd be confident walking into an interview at a tech company. I hope I never have to though! I would absolutely recommend a similar path for anyone struggling with the full-time work grind.