What is your free time worth?

[aigel]

Originally Posted by KC911

Absolutely loved my career....From R&D fresh out of college and 25 years of always being on the leading/bleeding edge of systems/networking with the latest tech...most techies would have jumped at the positions I held fwiw. Would you rather be hunting or working ?

I like a good balance, as long as I have to keep down a job. Sometimes it is tough to only have a few days on a season and having to settle on the first legal buck in shooting range, but that's just that time of my life now. After I retire - who knows - but I definitely will still be available contract, as a volunteer and deeply involved hobbyist (in about 8 different hobbies!). I do want to go part time / contract no later than age 55.

G

[KFC911]

Originally Posted by aigel

I like a good balance, as long as I have to keep down a job. Sometimes it is tough to only have a few days on a season and having to settle on the first legal buck in shooting range, but that's just that time of my life now. After I retire - who knows - but I definitely will still be available contract, as a volunteer and deeply involved hobbyist (in about 8 different hobbies!). I do want to go part time / contract no later than age 55.

G

Can't wait to visit "George's Gumbo Shack"

I know you're balanced...some folks sell their soul to their job though

[masraum]

There are many variables and the answer would be different for most folks, but sounds like it's worth it for the guy. HUGE difference between 60k and 120k.

I've worked lots of different kinds of work. I worked at a retail parts place when I was younger. After about 2 years, I was the manager of a store. In '94, I was making 21k/year plus bonuses (about 5k/yr) working anywhere from 60-75hrs/wk. It didn't take long at all for me to realize that was BS an I had to get out.

There have been several times over the past 20 years where I have worked 60hrs/wk, but mostly it has been 40-45. The last couple of times that I was working 60hrs per week it was completely worth it in the long run, but sucked at the time.

For about 3 years before this summer, I was working 4 days a week (four 10s) and it was awesome having the extra day off. For the past 3 months, I've been working more normal hours, 40hrs Mon-Fri, and there's something to be said for this schedule too.

How old you are? What sort of family you have at home? What kind of money you make and how much you have saved for retirement? How stressful is your job? etc, etc.... All of these things and more will determine what the right answer is for you.

[aigel]

Originally Posted by KC911

Can't wait to visit "George's Gumbo Shack"

I know you're balanced...some folks sell their soul to their job though

I am definitely too deep into the work side, in terms of time. But a decent salary allows preparing for retirement. With startups, there is always the potential upside. It is a bit like gambling. You have to pay to play.

Maybe it doesn't work for everyone, but after a long day with smart and energetic people getting stuff done, I am on a roll and still get things done at home. Even get up early to go duck hunting in the SFBay.

Edit: One thing to make sure if you work a lot, is an exercise regiment. I block 1.5 hours for lunch and take it to get a good cardio workout, shower and a home cooked meal. It resets the clock in terms of energy - mid day!

G

[john70t]

If he is salary/contractor, with a new and very unknown company, then good luck to him.