I'm in a weird position where I'm about to graduate again with a bunch of specialised knowledge and skills that I can't really use without being hired at engineering firms (hardware engineering, like mechanical/electrical/aerospace etc). The job market is trash right now so I need a backup plan for if I end up being unemployed long term. Fortunately I have a stream of passive income. I'm not rich, but it's enough for me to move to a low cost of living country, rent a low cost studio in any place with an internet connection and just develop open source all day, full time, indefinitely. Making big money, living in a big house, getting into relationships and starting a family had never mattered very much to me, but society seems to be structured around that assumption. I care more about a sense of achievement. And luckily (and I admit privilege in this), I am not financially forced to work for just survival.…