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Ask HN: Is 'Silicon Valley' a Healthy Place to Work?
2 points by cjhanks on Dec 17, 2016 | hide | past | favorite | 2 comments
I have never posted here before. Please accept mis-steps.

I, like many aspiring software hobbyists and enthusiasts, came to SF Bay to learn and practice. In 5 years I have met people living in extraordinary circumstances.

- Commuting 2+ hours in traffic several times a week.

- People living in apartments nearer their work, 3-4 days/week. Separated from their family and children.

- Individuals working 50+ hours / week with less than 3 weeks vacation per year.

- People sacrificing their own health and well-being (and psychological well-being) in the pursuit of profit.

- Widespread and rampant personal depression.

Sincerely, it makes me glum.

Are there any parts of the Bay (or the) industry, which are not like this? Are there any other engineers who have experienced similar feelings, and left? Where?



I see much of the above, but not the rampant depression you mention.

I also see parking lots full of BMWs, and many Teslas.

And some leading-edge work being done.

And pleasantly-intellectual conversations between like-minded individuals.

But for some, the cons outweigh the pros. Anyone feeling rampant depression should make some changes.


I think this is like an MMA fighter asking "Is MMA a healthy occupation to have?"

Of course not. You have to make tradeoffs in life.




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