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Ask HN: I quit my job. Need advice

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Re: Ask HN: I quit my job. Need advice

#21

Post by rajeshmr »

alando46 wrote: post #6

Hey great job and congratulations on making the leap! Sometimes it can be hard and scary to know what the right path is, but usually the first step is making a change to get off of the wrong path. Step 1 complete! I'd consider taking a short break from programming if I were you. Why not get a temporary job as a river guide or something outdoors? Maybe go on a long backpacking trip or do some other kind of adventure.…

Very well said and thank you. Yes, i am thinking on those lines too. need some breather time. Cant keep running all life. :)

Re: Ask HN: I quit my job. Need advice

#22

Post by rajeshmr »

everybodyknows wrote: post #8

Python is a great language, but three months isn't much time to become proficient and find work. You'll need to hit it hard. One way to build your resume would be to find a Python-based project on github, and submit a bug fix. Good luck!

Thanks for your advice :) Yes, 3 months would be less, but gotta move into python.. working on it now:)

Re: Ask HN: I quit my job. Need advice

#23

Post by rajeshmr »

jason_slack wrote: post #10

About 7 years ago, I had a technology job that was sucking the life out of me. I started to push back and they fired me. This was good because I could get unemployment. I spent 6 months on unemployment looking for jobs that I would care about and something that would let me lead a less stressful life. After the unemployment ran out I started working at a Starbucks. This was a life saver. It was fast paced. They were…

Nice to know :) At the end of the day you should feel happy. Only then you will be a happy dad / happy son / happy neighbour / a happy member of the society. which is very important in the larger scheme of things. :)

Re: Ask HN: I quit my job. Need advice

#24

Post by rajeshmr »

mindcrime wrote: post #2

My advice (which I'm sure some others will disagree with) is this: Don't look to your job for any kind of fulfillment or satisfaction, unless your job is your own company and you're doing something you're passionate about. Otherwise, be a complete mercenary and treat your job as nothing more than a way to keep the rent paid, the lights on, and food on the table. Then find ways to achieve fulfillment or whatever it is…

Nice take on the job aspect of work life.:) Yeah, sometimes its hard to think of oneself as a complete mercenary. :(

But there is another aspect too, like if we can plan and buy some financial freedom we can pursue other creative fulfilling stuff.

I think this problem exists across ages unfortunately.

I currently have a car which shouldnt be difficult to let go.. after all its my inner freedom that i crave for.

Re: Ask HN: I quit my job. Need advice

#26

Post by pasbesoin »

mindcrime wrote: post #2

My advice (which I'm sure some others will disagree with) is this: Don't look to your job for any kind of fulfillment or satisfaction, unless your job is your own company and you're doing something you're passionate about. Otherwise, be a complete mercenary and treat your job as nothing more than a way to keep the rent paid, the lights on, and food on the table. Then find ways to achieve fulfillment or whatever it is…

Amen.

And, if you are engaging in one or another form of workaholism (until "someday", "it will pay off", to avoid the crazy/upsetting at home, etc.), ending this is priority number one.

The basis of your health is a good personal life, whatever that means for you.

For some people, it genuinely is their work. I don't mean to discount that. But if you're working for "someday", rather than loving the moment you are in, well then, make sure you get out of there at a decent hour and find some moments you do love.

Re: Ask HN: I quit my job. Need advice

#27

Post by ak39 »

Job and other tips I learned the hard way (still making some mistakes):

Rule #1: Negotiate from a position of strength.

Fact #1: We tend to negotiate badly when we are desperate. Human nature.

Fact #2: Desperation is a state of mind. You can really be in dire circumstances but keep a calm mind. This can be learned. I know stoic folks who are cool as ice when negotiating at the precipice of existence! Super men! (This is where I fail many times.)

Fact #3: (Certainly my experience) When we quit one job summarily without alternative options already lined up, we are likely to create a desperate mindset. It creeps into our attitude and plants the seeds for exploitation. Avoid this as a rule no matter how shitty things get. Plan B first, then quit.

My advice to you is find another job but don't expect it to be better. Plan your Plan B while there.

Best of luck, bro/sis. Employers can be ruthless sometimes.

I would take some time during the next job seeking stage to do stuff I like. Travel? Perspective comes with distance.

Re: Ask HN: I quit my job. Need advice

#28

Post by fooledrand »

Won't you be serving notice period for 2 months? For the satisfaction you are looking for, it will come from deep knowledge of a specific topic. If you are say interested in Data Analytics look for companies in data analytics, read their job description and skill set they require. Approach them (works best if you know someone to refer you) demonstrate the skills you have through some project. The project need not be perfect but should reflect the maturity of its age.

Re: Ask HN: I quit my job. Need advice

#29

Post by rajeshmr »

pasbesoin wrote: post #26
mindcrime wrote: post #2

My advice (which I'm sure some others will disagree with) is this: Don't look to your job for any kind of fulfillment or satisfaction, unless your job is your own company and you're doing something you're passionate about. Otherwise, be a complete mercenary and treat your job as nothing more than a way to keep the rent paid, the lights on, and food on the table. Then find ways to achieve fulfillment or whatever it is…

Amen. And, if you are engaging in one or another form of workaholism (until "someday", "it will pay off", to avoid the crazy/upsetting at home, etc.), ending this is priority number one. The basis of your health is a good personal life, whatever that means for you. For some people, it genuinely is their work. I don't mean to discount that. But if you're working for "someday", rather than loving the moment you are in,…

Well said :) wonder how I missed replying to you. Yeah,I do not wish to be a workaholic.Rather would love to have a balance in my Life.

Re: Ask HN: I quit my job. Need advice

#30

Post by rajeshmr »

fooledrand wrote: post #28

Won't you be serving notice period for 2 months? For the satisfaction you are looking for, it will come from deep knowledge of a specific topic. If you are say interested in Data Analytics look for companies in data analytics, read their job description and skill set they require. Approach them (works best if you know someone to refer you) demonstrate the skills you have through some project. The project need not be…

Yes I have notice period but i might leave earlier (still unsure). Exactly, interview screening is broken and the best way currently seems to be through referrals.

Indeed I would like to have deep knowledge on a subject. I am learning and working on some topics of interest. As u have suggested will try to build and showcase some projects. :)

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