[ThomPete]

My first company was a design agency which I started in 2005 with one other partner. I left my other job to do it after I got tired of working for other people.

Built that up to 80 people and left in 2012 to got to New York to help another company get acquired. That happened faster than I thought (hadn't anythhing to do with me), that company was Square were I spent 4 1/2 years. Last year I left to start a new product consultancy we are still two, have a bunch of freelancers and are about to hire our first people.

I have had a lot of side projects (still do) my most profitable one is Ghostnote. Because I live in NY I wouldn't be able to live from it but it does give me substantial income and I am working on a few more which will definitely put me in position to not even have to do consulting (although I really do enjoy it)

To me the most important benefit besides the money is freedom and if I have anything to say I will never work for someone again.