#Is it possible to work part time as a SWE, or on a seasonal basis, while having job security?

9 messages · Page 1 of 1 (latest)

vestal tree
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Hey, so I’m a junior dev rn, and tbh while I am grateful for having a job, I really can’t see myself doing this for the next 40+ years of my life. There has to be more to do than this. It’s as if most of my week is either work or thinking about work, and there are other things I want to do in my life

Is it possible, whether in 5, 10, or 15 years, or sooner or later, to be able to move towards working less days of the week or working for a certain amount of months, and then taking some months off, while having a guarantee of being able to return to said company?

Thanks

violet terrace
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Possible, yes, but those are very rare setups.
A more typical example would becoming a consultant and taking on contracts.

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For basically any job, you are going to spend a good third of your time working (and another third sleeping). If you don't like that as a concept, your mostly pursue self-employment (beware that those folks often work much more) or try to find a way to opt out of capitalism.

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I will also mention that you don't need to work for 40 years, if you are good at minimizing your spending. Financial Independence, Retire Early is particularly popular in this field.

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Also also, you might be overworking and need to tamp that down.

jade ledge
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You can negotiate 4 or even 3 day work weeks with some startups if you are actually good enough. Keep in mind you are drastically losing total comp to do that. Basically someone good enough to be a principal in FAANG and make 400-500k talks to a starutp and negotiates being paid 100-150k to work 3-4 days a week instead

split minnow
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The way to do that is learning how to save and invest +engineer salary

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Folk are on semi retirement mode if theyre doing well and work because they like it