[alasdair_]

>you lose significant negotiating power when you're not actively employed.

I took six months off after a large liquidity event and then went back into the job market. I don't think I lost any negotiating power - the trick was to make sure I times the interviews so that I'd have several offers at the same time and then could use the fact that company X was offering a certain amount to ensure I got the job at the company I liked the most.

I do just want to say one thing: most tech investors now think we are in a bubble. A downturn is likely at some point. Now would be a very good time to ensure you have six months of expenses in a savings account so you don't have to take the first job you get offered - I had to do that in 2008 after the financial crisis hit and my startup died and it wasn't a fun time.

[foobiekr]

To be completely honest, the parent poster is referring to the common experience of normal people. If you were in the position to take months off after a large liquidity event, that experience doesn't apply to you.

There is a similar effect people have when they reach a certain level of financial independence - not only are offers better, but negotiation is much easier. Companies react to confidence (whatever the source) the same way individuals do.

[Rapzid]

Probably not too many avg Joes doing skunkwerks at Uber and getting laid off..

[malandrew]

Every engineer on HN should be earning enough that they can put away 6+ months of expenses just in case.