[langfo]

Life will continue to get busier. Once they are over 5 and sports activities and creative activities start you'll be driving around for training, games etc. At least by then you will be enjoying uninterrupted sleep again. As a 30 year old software developer, I had a startup going great just a few years prior to kids and into the early years of my 3 children. I found the technologies I learnt and used on the startup project allowed me to utilize those skills in my job and be more efficient and a more valued worker. I did have another partner who grew the business and I just focused on the tech. I would suggest to just start and see what happens. I know many 40+ dads who have ventured down the path of an MBA which to me is serious commitment compared to what I was doing with a software side project!

[lamida]

I want to be more present during children golden period time. I want to nurture their curiosity, problem solving and creativity, so that they can be better than me in their careers and life. Of course I want to continue to be present as they grow older too. But as they older the attention span needed should be not as much as before.

Yeah I think I should start with simple software side project and taking it slow but steady.

[dwd]

The upside to doing your own thing is that you set your own schedule and define your own "office hours".

This could mean that you can be there at the times you need to "be there" and work around that: like in the evenings when the children are in bed, and/or early morning if that's more your thing.