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Comment by pavel_lishin | Hacker News Reader

Why would having a full-time job be a disqualifier for trying magic mushrooms? When I tried them I was employed, and had responsibilities - albeit "light" ones, bills and rent and such. I was also living with my long-term girlfriend who would become my spouse.

I don't really understand why any of the things you mention, except anxiety and negative things in life, would be a disqualifier.

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The point is that your mindset going in to the trip needs to be pristine. If you're in a bad place, stressed out, or worried about anything, you WILL think about it during your trip, which can take you to a really dark place. It's hard to explain the horrors of a bad trip if you've never had one.

Also, going back to work on Monday after having your mind blown isn't the same as coming in to work with an alcohol hangover. You may not be able to function as a normal human for a couple days after a heavy trip.

> You may not be able to function as a normal human for a couple days after a heavy trip.

altered insights is kind of the point... Not finding work the most important thing anymore could be seen as a plus.

I think you and I take vastly different dosages. I would not recommend taking enough to have a bad trip for a first-timer. During my first time, reality definitely wasn't quite as... solid as it is on a day-to-day basis, but I was perfectly aware that it was just a chemical experience and enjoyed what otherwise might have seemed scary.

All in all, it was about as bad as a scary movie.

It's a stunner to discover you've invested so much into something that you may not find rewarding when you come down.

That said, there's no reason why a person can't take away the beneficial aspects of the journey and incorporate them into their daily life.

> "...it's a profound, powerful, (potentially) destabilizing experience."

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