My second year without a job
A programmer’s candid account of quitting his job with $80,000 in savings and spending two years on side projects, travel, sports, and friends sparks a broader examination of how far a nest egg can really stretch. Commenters weigh the appeal of “funemployment” and entrepreneurship against financial anxiety, resume gaps, family responsibilities, and harsh job-market cycles, often contrasting this path with taking any available work to stay afloat. Underneath are recurring themes of privilege, housing and healthcare costs, and the value of having “F‑you money” or a social safety net before stepping off the traditional career treadmill.
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.”