As a matter of record, I don't think everything I write is really Hacker News material, even if this does partially relate to startups.

That being said, I still thank my buddy John for submitting it without my knowledge, and hope those who accidently read it enjoy themselves :)

I want the dream. Thanks for writing this piece - its a great reminder.

Nice piece of writing, I thought your last article on the downward spiral was good too, felt I could really relate with parts of that.

Good on John for submitting it :)

Great little post, love your style of writing.

Personally? I love working till I drop, sleeping till I'm done, and doing it again. Usually it means going to full vampire mode, which was much, much easier in NYC.

I can certainly appreciate that because there was a time I felt the same way. Also -- and maybe this isn't a big deal for you either -- working hardcore like that for a year straight without getting paid a dime becomes rather stressful, despite the fact that I'm indifferent to wealth in those terms. The longer it goes on, the more pressure builds to get out of the deepening hole.

I also differ a bit from the stereotypical hacker in that I am a lover of balance; it would take an unending stream of highly interesting projects to sustain me merely with work and sleep and there would have to exist no grunt work to let my mind stray to other desires.

why easier in NYC? because of the 24/7 nature of the city or something else?

Yes. Silicon Valley is not particularly amenable to being up all night.