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Comment by fnordpiglet | Hacker News Reader

I had a number and blew past it then set a bigger number and went past it too. I just enjoy doing cool technical stuff and working with interesting people. I’ve got an age now, 55, when I plan to retire, but even then I’m not sure I really want to not work. Thing is, I’ve always loved computers and doing awesome stuff with them, and it’s easier to do that in an organization. Thing is I’m starting to get more into electronics and embedded systems as I get older, and have some ideas about open source ultra low cost easy to self maintain and build irrigation and farm automation systems in developing countries. So I plan to shift my focus around 55 to less tech for techs sake and more tech for humanities sake, without regard for compensation.

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I sort of let things drag out the past few years. Partly because of COVID (it's not like I could travel) and partly for other reasons. I wouldn't have been unhappy to get a severance or even just get pushed out at some point. But I used up a bunch of vacation time I had saved up and pretty much gliding to a comfortable endpoint. I didn't really need to additional money but figure I might as well take it if I can given working isn't really getting in the way of other activities.

Genuine question: why wait til 55?

There are tons and tons of really cool technical problems and projects out there that aren't financially lucrative but have huge positive benefits for people.

Having an experienced person volunteering to work on something would make a world of difference to many of these projects that have tangibly positive effects on people but struggle with funding.

Mostly I’m building replacement income. I’ve saved up enough to retire on an annuitized drawdown on my savings, but I would rather keep those assets as liquid assets and acquire income generating assets over the next decade or so. That way I can live in the places I want to, have money set aside I can take risks with, and otherwise live a carefree life without adjusting anything in my lifestyle. Essentially I want to be self sustaining on an annualized basis rather than on some projected drawdown basis.

Plus I’ve landed in well paying gigs that I enjoy and don’t want to stop building big things for big bucks yet. I’ll do my smaller dreams next, I think I’m ready to slow down and focus on something smaller next.

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