My second year without a job

Original Article ↗ Hacker News Discussion ↗

Experiences of Time Off and “Funemployment”

  • Several posters describe months to years without a job as among the best times of their lives: focusing on hobbies, fitness, travel, family, and side projects.
  • Others have done multiple cycles of “back to work → save → quit → travel/build things,” and see it as their long‑term pattern.
  • A minority say even with savings, unemployment feels like a “pants‑on‑fire emergency” and they would grind to find any job immediately.

Privilege, Safety Nets, and Class Background

  • Many note that being able to quit with ~$80k+ and burn it on experiments is a form of privilege; most people live close to the edge.
  • Some suspect unspoken safety nets (family money, ability to move home, partner income). Others say even if that’s true, it’s fine as long as it’s not sold as universally replicable.
  • People raised poor describe persistent anxiety about homelessness even after they’re doing well financially; those from stronger safety nets report less stress.

Tech / CS Job Market & Career Advice

  • Strong consensus that the tech job market is currently rough but cyclical; older commenters compare it to dot‑com and 2008.
  • Many urge CS students and juniors not to quit: focus on real projects, networking, cloud/infra skills, and perseverance.
  • Others stress that if you truly dislike the work, it’s reasonable to plan an exit rather than chase money.

Travel, Geo‑Arbitrage, and Minimalism

  • Multiple stories of selling most possessions, using storage minimally, and living cheaply abroad (SE Asia, Eastern Europe, Portugal, etc.).
  • Debate over whether travel with young kids in RVs/boats is enriching or harmful; research on frequent childhood moves and mental health is cited on both sides.

Health, Stress, and Medicine

  • GI issues and stress are discussed; people mention IBS, ulcers, autoimmune disease, restrictive diets, and the need to see specialists.
  • US health insurance is a major blocker to taking sabbaticals; comparisons with Europe, Canada, and elsewhere highlight trade‑offs between taxes, wait times, and coverage.

Money Management, “FU Money,” and Risk

  • Many advocate a 6–12 month emergency fund or more before quitting, distinguishing between “FU money” (walk away freely) and bare survival funds.
  • Some think burning ~$80k with little to show is a clear mistake; others argue time, experiences, and personal growth can justify the cost.
  • Tension throughout between “optimize for retirement” vs. “optimize for living while young and able‑bodied.”