Ask HN: Sabattical Experiences? | Hacker News Reader

Ask HN: Sabattical Experiences?

3 pointscommonturtle4 comments

I've been in the software industry for over six years now. Still enjoy it but I feel like taking a long break, getting out of the SV bubble and exploring the world for a bit, maybe 6-12 months.

Has anyone taken a sabbatical before and would like to share their experience? I'm wondering what types of things people do. Currently debating if I should just travel the world, or volunteer at an organization like the Peace Corps, or do something else to get me out of my SV / big tech company bubble :)

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I took a break for a while once. Not for anything exciting like travel, I just was burned out. I spent 6 months working for UPS, unloading trucks and airplanes. It was great - I worked 2 hours a day, got in shape, learned a bit about a new industry, and got health coverage during my time off.

Eventually, I went back to work in tech, no longer burned out. It was a good time in my life. If you can manage the finances of not working, I do recommend it.

Interesting, thanks for sharing. This idea of working in a completely different industry for a while is one of the things I'm thinking about. Might be more fun than aimlessly wandering :)

I would wait a year or two with that travel the world dream, champ.

I'm on a 1.5 year sabbatical right now, just starting to get back into the job market. I did gardening, hiking, biking. Hobbies other than computers. Reading every evening. Spending time visiting friends in nearby places after their work hours so that they don't have to travel. Domestic travel allows you to get to know the country you live in, at a lower cost than international travel would get you. I don't like people who save up and travel 1 week visits to other countries. You don't really get how people live there, think there. You are just a 'fucking tourist' that most people don't want around themselves. These people tend to be shallow in their knowledge of anything besides their touristy impressions, making them less desirable as friends and partners.

I’m also thinking about taking a sabbatical.

I would love to just do whatever I want for a year.

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