HACKER Q&A
📣 jasonvorhe

Are you worried about the future and how do you cope?


First of, I'm aware that change is part of life and that we don't control most of it. However, I've been getting these bursts of being very worried about the future. War, pandemic, inflation, the possibility of COVID vaccines not being as safe as promised, a banking crisis, AI suddenly being everywhere, possibly leaving a lot of people without jobs.

I've been a generalist throughout my career. I've done sysadmin/"DevOps" and SRE work, was an engineering manager for a year and now I'm starting my own business leveraging the skills I have. But I can't imagine a good outcome, no matter what I do.

I'm really worried about the future. How do you cope?

  👤 jschveibinz Accepted Answer ✓
Despite some of the comments, you can build a happy life for yourself one step at a time.

I am not a professional—-please don’t DM me or take this as professional advice.

Yes, focus on the present, as others have suggested—-and then make sure to do something that comforts you or brings you joy in the present.

For example, put down the phone and read a book. Go for a walk or jog and enjoy the scenery. Pick up a journal, and write about your thoughts. Recite a mantra or prayer while breathing. Stretch while listening to music.

These are just examples. Everyone has their own way to find joy and comfort.

The best advice: seek real help from professionals—-not here on HN.

Good luck.

👤 rogerian
If this really is a simulation then how much does it matter?

If it is not a simulation, then we are so small compared to the known universe that we are insignificant.

Enjoy the good times while they last!

👤 gregjor
I don’t worry about things I can’t predict or control. No point. Live each moment without regret or fear of the future.

I study history to get perspective. You think it’s bad now? Go back a few hundred years.

👤 CharlieDigital
The Dalai Lama has a great quote about this that I often return to.

    "Shantideva reasons that if something can be done to fix a situation, there is no need to worry, whereas on the other hand, if there is nothing that can be done, there is no use in worrying."
There are many things that are simply outside of your realm of control; there's no use in worrying about it.
👤 throwawaysalome
and now I'm starting my own business

I can tell you're not going to make it past this HN post.

👤 warrenm
Live every day as if it is your last ... one day you'll be right
👤 TheMoonToMyLeft
My retirement plan is my grandfather's M1911. All I've got to do is pull the trigger and the nightmare stops. Knowing I can opt out at any time helps me get through a lot of bad shit.