News for hackers. Stuff that matters.

A comment on Ask HN: Have you ever thought of leaving programming for something else?. Parent comment

Re:Ask HN: Have you ever thought of leaving programming for ... by grecy on Tuesday November 08, 2016 @07:26AM (#12899652)
> I would prefer, if I could retire, to make short films and maybe to write plays. But I can't retire yet. So I'll push stones. It pays well.

Please don't stay because of the pay. You won't look back in 25 years and say "I'm so glad I bought a new iPhone in 2016, but didn't do the things I wanted to in life"

The last company I worked for was full of people only staying because retirement was "only" 10-15 years away, and they were not a healthy/happy lot.

You'd be giving up your life "now" in the hopes of a good life "then", which is insanity.

I have left Software twice now to pursue my goals - the first time I spent two years driving Alaska->Argentina more-or-less on vacation, and right now I'm spending two years driving around Africa. I'm exploring my passions while on the road for writing, photograph, videography, languages, etc. etc. I have less money now, and a lot more happiness.

[ Parent | on HN ]
Re:Ask HN: Have you ever thought of leaving programming for ... by chrshawkes on Tuesday November 08, 2016 @07:42AM (#12899738)
Quitting a high paying relatively lax job could possibly make your life a whole heck of a lot worse, especially 10 to 15 years from retirement. If anything start building something on the side.
[ Parent | on HN ]
Re:Ask HN: Have you ever thought of leaving programming for ... by novocaine on Tuesday November 08, 2016 @08:21AM (#12899966)
You were able to not work for two years, twice, because of the software money. What is the difference between you and this guy?
[ Parent | on HN ]
Re:Ask HN: Have you ever thought of leaving programming for ... by it_learnses on Tuesday November 08, 2016 @11:17AM (#12901428)
He didn't wait till retirement.
[ Parent | on HN ]
Re:Ask HN: Have you ever thought of leaving programming for ... by emptyfile on Tuesday November 08, 2016 @10:39AM (#12901067)
That's great for you, most people don't have nearly enough money saved to spend 2 years not working.
[ Parent | on HN ]
Re:Ask HN: Have you ever thought of leaving programming for ... by it_learnses on Tuesday November 08, 2016 @11:16AM (#12901415)
would love to learn a bit about your travel adventures. How can I get in touch?
[ Parent | on HN ]
Re:Ask HN: Have you ever thought of leaving programming for ... by grecy on Thursday November 10, 2016 @01:53AM (#12918288)
theroadchoseme.com is my website - contact there or in my HN profile
[ Parent | on HN ]