I feel this sentiment of just being like "I just wanna build fun stuff with my friends" is, 1, super healthy, and 2, what everyone eventually lands on as the big thing that's been missing. Of the friends I've known who've given up weapons-grade, cross-functional team life and just started making pixel art, indie video games with friends, they seem vastly happier than others I know. Less money maybe, but happier, no doubt.
It sort of feels along the way the whole software thing got overly complicated for many of us and turned into such a grind.
"whole software thing got overly complicated" - I feel this so much; once you get into the traditional path of software, there's just so much momentum around it that makes it hard to step back and figure out what you actually want. Of course, I was one of the lucky few who could step back and it's now hard to justify going back.
"To me, that financial burden was synonymous to my sense of freedom, something I now valued much more than security."
Also love that you're choosing not to pursue the typical Australian path to wealth. It'll make some people raise eyebrows but I'm sure more will be inspired by your update.
PS. How liberating does it feel to be able to make money outside of a 9-5 job!!
For sure, I felt initially guilty for not going down that path, even though I definitely could have - my family definitely question it but they're all used to my wild decisions by now. 😂 It feels wonderful!!
Can’t wait for your upcoming newsletters!! 🫶🏻 love your writing so so much 🫶🏻
Starting a new role as an APM at a small startup and found your blogs & newsletter when I was learning more about the role!!
PS: I’m also one of your new subscribers that is also aggressively using Bear and Arc after reading your productivity blog 🫶🏻 (not turning back anytime soon!!)
Yay, Jenny is back! Totally resonate everything about this - I quit a great job @ Stripe with no job lined up at the time to move to Mexico to learn Spanish for 2 years hahaha. Freedom is awesome - & with your skills, you'll always figure something out.
So excited for you Jenny! I'm flying tomorrow to India where I am planning to move, after Portugal and UK. Thank you for the inspiration to do things others deem crazy.
Hey Jenny! Just discovered you through The Bliss Bakery podcast, and I'm super stoked to follow your journey. I'm about to embark on my own career break which gives me a lot of uncertainty, but reading your newsletter gives me so many insights. Most importantly, it makes me feel a lot more clarity about what the future can be (I hope that doesn't sound like unrealistic expectation from a random stranger online). Really excited for what's to come for you!
Super excited for this next chapter! It’s gonna be epic ❤️
I feel this sentiment of just being like "I just wanna build fun stuff with my friends" is, 1, super healthy, and 2, what everyone eventually lands on as the big thing that's been missing. Of the friends I've known who've given up weapons-grade, cross-functional team life and just started making pixel art, indie video games with friends, they seem vastly happier than others I know. Less money maybe, but happier, no doubt.
It sort of feels along the way the whole software thing got overly complicated for many of us and turned into such a grind.
"whole software thing got overly complicated" - I feel this so much; once you get into the traditional path of software, there's just so much momentum around it that makes it hard to step back and figure out what you actually want. Of course, I was one of the lucky few who could step back and it's now hard to justify going back.
Love your writing, Jenny!
"To me, that financial burden was synonymous to my sense of freedom, something I now valued much more than security."
Also love that you're choosing not to pursue the typical Australian path to wealth. It'll make some people raise eyebrows but I'm sure more will be inspired by your update.
PS. How liberating does it feel to be able to make money outside of a 9-5 job!!
For sure, I felt initially guilty for not going down that path, even though I definitely could have - my family definitely question it but they're all used to my wild decisions by now. 😂 It feels wonderful!!
I’ve really enjoyed following your journey and am super excited to see what’s to come 🤩
Thank you Carrie 💜
Can’t wait for your upcoming newsletters!! 🫶🏻 love your writing so so much 🫶🏻
Starting a new role as an APM at a small startup and found your blogs & newsletter when I was learning more about the role!!
PS: I’m also one of your new subscribers that is also aggressively using Bear and Arc after reading your productivity blog 🫶🏻 (not turning back anytime soon!!)
Awww, you're so sweet - thanks Hui! Glad you like Arc and Bear - I'm still such a big fan
Such a big fan of your writing 🫶🏻 you’ve inspired me to think of what my own future sabbatical pathway can be.
Very excited for you Tania! It’ll be awesome.
Yay, Jenny is back! Totally resonate everything about this - I quit a great job @ Stripe with no job lined up at the time to move to Mexico to learn Spanish for 2 years hahaha. Freedom is awesome - & with your skills, you'll always figure something out.
You’re an inspiration also 💖
So excited for you Jenny! I'm flying tomorrow to India where I am planning to move, after Portugal and UK. Thank you for the inspiration to do things others deem crazy.
That’s SO exciting! Huge kudos to you on making that call 👏🏻👏🏻
Hey Jenny! Just discovered you through The Bliss Bakery podcast, and I'm super stoked to follow your journey. I'm about to embark on my own career break which gives me a lot of uncertainty, but reading your newsletter gives me so many insights. Most importantly, it makes me feel a lot more clarity about what the future can be (I hope that doesn't sound like unrealistic expectation from a random stranger online). Really excited for what's to come for you!
Congratulations, Jenny! I've been on a similar journey :) Follow your heart and intuition. Life is short