[kudokatz]

I put off interviewing at Google for 2 job changes ... went back for the third just to see. Ended up getting hired. My prior experience in terms of terrible people conducting interviews was so bad that I almost just wrote them off.

Compared to super-early and mid-stage startups, the ability to work a sane amount is done amazingly well at Google, and they pay too much. The downside is that the work is really simple, and the complexity (e.g. of service development) is through the roof and not supported very well. So just get ready to move at less than half the speed you're used to.

TOTALLY worth it to bank money for 3-5 years, IMO.

[enos_feedler]

This is what I did. Coasted for 4.5 years, lived off the free food and got a shitty 250 sqft studio biking distance to work. Did laundry and ate all meals there. Got loads of cash now, trading it for more money and starting a real startup that is actually planning for impact (not perf ratings).

[tolbish]

Were you able to build strong relationships (e.g. neighbors, friends, significant other) while living such a minimal lifestyle?

I couldn't imagine doing such a grind for more than a few weeks.

[kudokatz]

I'm definitely biased towards exactly that frugal-and-bank-the-money mentality ... but if others don't want to be friends with someone who doesn't spend money, that's their thing. I've found it much more rewarding to find people that like you for the way you are rather than trying to buy favor with status or money.

It's definitely not for everybody, but you might be surprised as to what you find by cutting expenses by what most consider to be "drastic measures" just to see. You can always just go spend more anyways after seeing what it's like!

[tolbish]

Just because you want to hang out with, or want to date someone who has a space larger than a 250 sq ft studio doesn't mean you are materialistic.

[enos_feedler]

The most important thing is can this person understand why you are living in a 250 sq ft studio and does that decision resonate with them? You would be surprised how few people that filters out. You aren't asking them to live in such a space with you, after all.

[kyawzazaw]

Great points

[enos_feedler]

It wasn’t really a grind for me because I might enjoy minimalist more than others.