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Ask HN: What's Your Biggest Regret?

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Re: Ask HN: What's Your Biggest Regret?

#111

Post by gllub »

philliphaydon wrote: post #87

Staying at my previous job too long. 9 years. At 5 years it started to turn toxic. I always hoped it would get better but it didn’t. I should have left sooner but I wanted to finish the project I was on because I wanted to leave behind something to feel proud of. In the end the company screwed my over. But I have a better job now so it worked out ok.

Similar story here, though fortunately "only" 6 years. I was at a startup, and though I'd come to disagree with the direction of the company, I'd put so much work in that I was always operating on a sunk-cost type hope that success was just around the corner.

Of course, it wasn't. I've been out over a year now and getting into a position to be able to walk away financially and then doing it was one of the best decisions.

I'm hoping the lessons I've learned balance out the psychological damage I took pushing through burnout for three years.

Re: Ask HN: What's Your Biggest Regret?

#114

Post by dutchbrit »

ChuckNorris89 wrote: post #36
plodman wrote: post #17

Letting myself get burned-out to the point of considering the s word. Every time I just thought “things will get better, it’s probably just me”. I’ve since switched jobs after a break but I still struggle with focus and attention span. Hoping that improves over time.

I'm in the exact boat as you. The burnout set in so slowly that I didn't realized I was burned out until I stopped working and had the time to look at my life.

That’s what happened to me with my second burnout. The first one hit me like a brick. I’m glad the second one isn’t as bad as the first one mentally. I regret not taking enough rest during my first burnout as I never fully recovered, this time I’m taking things more seriously.

Re: Ask HN: What's Your Biggest Regret?

#115

Post by some_furry »

spaceman_2020 wrote: post #107

Focused too much on making a living in my teens and 20s instead of college and social life. Never pursued artistic interests seriously because I was just too tired from working and stressing out about bills. Now I’m in my 30s with next to no social life and the realization that I’ve wasted away my time and whatever little talent I have. There’s a “regret” folder sitting in my Google Drive with two half-finished books…

It's only too late when you lose access to your drafts

Re: Ask HN: What's Your Biggest Regret?

#117

Post by l33tbro »

user_7832 wrote: post #66

To anyone full of regret, I'd just like to give a quote by Marcus Aurelius (a Roman Emperor and stoic philosopher) Think of yourself as dead. You have lived your life. Now take what's left and live it properly. Life likely hasn't been perfect for almost anyone, but would you rather die right now (with likely unfinished desires, wishes and more regrets) or would you try to make the best use of what you have? (It may b…

Is quoting a stoic on HN the same as playing 'Stairway to Heaven' in a guitar shop?

I do love this quote of course (and all things Aurelius).

Re: Ask HN: What's Your Biggest Regret?

#120

Post by etothepii »

spaceman_2020 wrote: post #107

Focused too much on making a living in my teens and 20s instead of college and social life. Never pursued artistic interests seriously because I was just too tired from working and stressing out about bills. Now I’m in my 30s with next to no social life and the realization that I’ve wasted away my time and whatever little talent I have. There’s a “regret” folder sitting in my Google Drive with two half-finished books…

In your 30s it is not too late to do really anything apart from elite sports (with the exception of long distance running).

Difficult to tell from your comment but if you did bring yourself some financial stability, it was unlikely time wasted.

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