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Comment by paulcole | Hacker News Reader

Off the top of my head, $5 million USD tax-free. I’d never do a damn thing again and never worry about money again.

What would you do then when "never doing a damn thing again"? Or maybe easier: what would you not do any more?

I retired for 3 years in my mid-20s. During that time, I walked, rode my bike, watched TV, went to the movies, worked out, read books. Would just do that until I died.

Cool - thanks for sharing! :) Did you already schedule your next longish break?

The same, but I would try to do things that I want:

- Try some ideas for inventions I had

- Make a nice game

- Support my family goals some more.

I love your intentions and hope that you maybe can already find a little bit more time to allocate to those until the 5mio arrive in your bank account :)

Yep, I've started working on first point in march, already designed some components, waiting for basement workshop to be finished. Having a big dream is a powerful motivator. Third point - I'm doing whatever I can, plus made some pallet furniture and installed new lamps in backyard ;). The game will have to wait, but I don't think it would be that successfull, maybe someday. So, genie would only speed up the inevitable.

Not me. Just go to the coffee shop, exercise a bit, and scroll on the internet. Just stay out of the way until I die.

What were your past experiences with "getting in the way"?

That's pretty low. Why not 50 million, or 5 billion?

Maybe in a similar direction: why would 5 million be already enough for you?

I’m not the OP, but 5 million as an American wouldn’t fundamentally change your life. The interest from the money would be comparable to a decent salary as a tech worker, probably similar to OPs current salary.

More money and you’re probably spending it on servants and lavish housing or entertainment. Those things might be cool, but it’s mental overhead that I imagine a lot of people just don’t want to deal with.

So, what would fundamentally change your life? And which actions would you be able to perform in a desirable life (without the servants etc)?

Just in case the genie doesn’t grant wishes to anyone who’s too greedy.

Realistically, I’d live the life I want with $5 million. I’m an asshole but I’m not the kind of asshole who wants to be a billionaire.

Rest assured, the genie grants all wishes even if you choose to be greedy for a change.

Sounds like a modest, reflected asshole to me ;)

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