In my (relatively short) life, I've always been far more happy in my periods of unemployment than when I was "gainfully employed." Don't expect a single person on HN to share this view, but there it is.
With employment, there's usually a lower limit since there's a reasonable change you're able to eat and stay out of the rain.
I don't understand these people who can't find things to keep them occupied outside work. I don't have enough hours in the day to do all the things I want to do. Work is just 8 hours per day that I can't do those things.
Plus, being able to attend events spontaneously and stay out as late as you want is pretty great.