Ask HN: What would you do with 6 months?

#1

Post by 6monthsoff » Fri, Mar 31, 2017, 3:17 PM UTC

I recently sold a product for a small amount - enough to not have to work for 6-9 months without touching any other savings or investments. I'm curious - what would you do if you had 6-9 months (call it runway or time off)

Note: after 6 months I'd likely be consulting.

Re: Ask HN: What would you do with 6 months?

#2

Post by kohanz » Fri, Mar 31, 2017, 3:34 PM UTC

If I had another idea that I was passionate about and knew how I wanted to execute on it, I would do that. If not, I would dive back into consulting to defer that runway until I did have the right idea/plan/inspiration.

Note: I've got a family, so "travel the world" is not really an option. If single, I would consider that.

Re: Ask HN: What would you do with 6 months?

#3

Post by taprun » Fri, Mar 31, 2017, 3:46 PM UTC

I would write a book in my field of interest. It would position me as an expert for consulting. As a bonus, this could be done while traveling, or doing other things.

Re: Ask HN: What would you do with 6 months?

#4

Post by TobyGiacometti » Fri, Mar 31, 2017, 4:18 PM UTC

Something similar happened to me last year. Instead of just relaxing or taking time off, I used those 6 months to work on my life :) Most of the time I would advise people to keep the wheel rolling: use the momentum to turn your idea into reality. Taking too much time off can make it difficult to get back into it. Of course, if you need a break then take it, but keep momentum in mind...

Re: Ask HN: What would you do with 6 months?

#5

Post by lsiunsuex » Fri, Mar 31, 2017, 5:19 PM UTC

Define small amount. Are we talking $5000 or $50000 ?

"Note: after 6 months I'd likely be consulting."

I'd try to accomplish a life / financial goal. If I was a renter and wanted to buy a house, I'd use the money down on a mortgage. If I had a house and wanted a bigger / nicer house - same. Both - contingent of finding a job or starting that consulting gig ASAP.

If I was into really nice cars (100k+ cars - Porsche, Ferrari, etc...) - I'd consider putting the money down on that. If I was into traveling - maybe a tour of Europe or something.

In other words, something that would be financially difficult to accomplish under normal circumstances. If you really need a break, take it - but if your willing to jump back into work now - take the money and do something that you've wanted to do but would take significant financial effort to do otherwise.

Re: Ask HN: What would you do with 6 months?

#6

Post by tedmiston » Fri, Mar 31, 2017, 5:36 PM UTC

I'd definitely dedicate it to world travel. While it might not be expensive, it's challenging to go far away across many time zones while working even as a contractor. Perhaps consider a round the world ticket.

Re: Ask HN: What would you do with 6 months?

#7

Post by cdnsteve » Fri, Mar 31, 2017, 6:20 PM UTC

Travel. Time and money are the two things no one has at the same time. Enjoy it.

Re: Ask HN: What would you do with 6 months?

#8

Post by sdflkd » Fri, Mar 31, 2017, 6:22 PM UTC

Finally be able to go to the gym 5 - 6 times a week for however long I deemed necessary. Cook a lot of good food. Read & write.

I'd basically spend it on self-improvement.

Re: Ask HN: What would you do with 6 months?

#9

Post by Justen » Fri, Mar 31, 2017, 6:39 PM UTC

I'd live in other countries for a little bit at a time. Maybe a couple weeks, maybe a couple months.

Re: Ask HN: What would you do with 6 months?

#10

Post by bartvk » Fri, Mar 31, 2017, 6:52 PM UTC

A couple of months of living costs in savings is not a luxury, if you have a family.

I'd stash it in a savings account. Feel free to take a holiday, but then I'd get back to work.