[odonnellryan]

I started my own software consultancy: we mostly focus on web applications, and we've had awesome experiences helping many startups in the NYC area!

Lots of times startups have a good codebase, but they are having hard problems with just a few parts of the product: they don't always have a lot of funding, but it's fun to make connections and help them succeed.

Though, it isn't so much "escape from the 9 to 5" as it is "now you work all the time."

Not that I always work more (some weeks are slow, others very busy) but I do find myself having to be available more.

[dstpierre]

> Though, it isn't so much "escape from the 9 to 5" as it is "now you work all the time."

Hah, so true. Although I find working for my startup more rewarding than trading hours for money.

My path is similar to yours, I quit my 9 to 5 job in 2007, started a software consultancy than moved to building my own SaaS in 2009. Since than, that's the only revenue for my family (2 daughters, wife, doing home school).

The stress and lower money at time for sure, but like others said, would not trade this to return in enterprise job.