Thanks for sharing that, good example! I have done well in my career, but for 20+ years working for large companies, I took Mondays off every week and had HR/accounting only pay me 80% of my salary. Later when I was a consultant, I would also take long periods off, like you do. I left money on the table, and I am fine with that.
Me too!!. As I said I was burnt out, but it wasn't an instantaneous quitting. I was offered a promotion to the of an engineering manager, and I counter-offered that I'd take Fridays off with no change in pay. Best goddamn decision ever. Every week followed by a three-day weekend! The downside is that you quickly find out how redundant you are when it comes to meetings and decisions taken! It took a few months to get used to the new reality. I did that for a year before circumstances changed dramatically (friend and mentor passed away in 9/11). But even if that hadn't happened, I was quite frayed by the industry attitude, the sheer pace without any rigor or thought. I mean not just about engineering, but about the kind of systems being developed and their effect on society.
Edit: Hey you are that Mark Watson! Truly love your blog!
