[edshiro]

I also identify with the author. Tried the startup game on two occasions and got burned 2 times (one as senior engineer the other as CTO) - somehow both companies managed to sell but not at a price that made my shares worth it.

I then swore I would never be an employee again and decided to join an accelerator but crashed out. Now I am freelancing and building a bootstrapped business on the side: much less headaches, I earn a good living, and get to build something I am passionate about while remaining master of my destiny. Not seeking VC money nor VC-esque returns, just a meaningful life where my work is valued and provides enough to live comfortably.

[joeblau]

I moved to SF back in 2011 and I got burned by a few startups. I remember reading HN back then and someone said the average time to become a millionaire if you were chasing startup exits was 5 years. I probably in the best position now to have a successful exit, but I'm beyond the 5 year mark.

I think evaluating the viability of startups is a skill that I've gotten better at as time goes on. I've been at 5-6 failed startups (small old companies) with zero upside on exits. That being said, the time I was the happiest was when I was working for myself for about 18 months on things I was passionate about.

[soneca]

May I ask what is your bootstrapped business?

I am about to start one myself and I am curious about how and why experienced devs choose their ambitious side projects

[edshiro]

I am building a B2B platform for logistics and taxi companies to store dash cam footage and easily retrieve and annotate them (for accidents, training, etc.).

We already have one interested customer, so trying to finish the MVP by January!

[therealdrag0]

If you're only that far how do you "earn a good living"?