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Comment by anon291 | Hacker News Reader

The average tech worker really should not have to go into any debt for even a year long hiatus from their typically well paying job. All that is required is living like a typical American and saving your salary. I honestly don't see how anyone can claim tech workers are not compensated for the volatility inherent in the industry.

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My cost of living has increased proportionately with my compensation, but also I don't work for any FAANG companies. I would love to work for someone that actually pays well, but typically those companies have ridiculous interview processes. Not all of us went through the standard CS degree pipeline and memorized all those questions. My first job was paying me 35 thousand a year, something most people probably would be surprised about, and I suffered through that for almost four years, the only raise I got was very marginally insignificant. It's not been a fun ride considering this is what I love to do, I know others who do drastically less work than I do and make more income wise.

Your assumption here assumes that

1. all tech jobs pay well. Well enough to expect 1 year+ savings. They don't

2. that we all have the same cost of living or family situation. Even living frugally, supporting a spuose and kid on savings is not trival.

>I honestly don't see how anyone can claim tech workers are not compensated for the volatility inherent in the industry.

Come work in the games industry for a while. 30% more hours, maybe 60% of the pay in a "good studio", and near guaranteed layoffs when the proect ends.

Early-in-career folks are more vulnerable. Even before major family/life costs start to play a role, it can be difficult to save enough for a safety net after moving to an apartment (even w/ roommates) from college & managing student debt, etc. I remember it took me a couple of years of stability to not feel at risk.

Sure, no argument there.

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