Sabbatical

I'll take a break from the intrinsic divisiveness of writing about politics to reflect on the year 2025.

In January, I wrote this post about how every decision has some correlated risk, and how safe bets have fewer possible downsides but higher opportunity costs than bold moves. In practice, the latter bring much more positive outcomes than one can predict in advance, as long as one doesn't undertake those with a possibility of irreversible damage (very hard to find in career moves).

With this reasoning in mind, I decided to step out of my fast-paced career in technology to see from the sidelines if what I was doing actually made sense for me.

So, I used this sabbatical year to focus on getting in shape (thus lowering long-term health risks) and going on ventures I otherwise wouldn't have had the time to do, like travelling by Interrail in Europe visiting friends in every city, volunteering on confiscated Mafia assets, or exploring South Africa.

Taking a sabbatical is something that, if one has the opportunity, is definitely worth considering. If you don't take my word for it, take Sam Altman's. At least, at the end of it, you will have had the time to realize how many things you don't use in your house and get rid of them.

I also had the time to reflect on my previous job experiences. I came to the conclusion that a job based on fixed time constraints is not for me. I also figured out that I like to use my head more than follow what others want me to do. Hence my idea to become a content creator focusing on Italian politics. News on that in early 2026. 🥁

Obviously, there are trade-offs in any decision, and I know that my ideas about time freedom and independence will be hard to achieve. Still, it's worth trying.

In the end, that is the only conclusion one can based on the lessons this sabbatical taught me: life is short and the world is full of opportunities and wonderful people.