[pkorzeniewski]

As I'm getting close to the magic age of 30, the ultimate dream and goal for me right now is running my own business - not to get rich, but to be free and independent, to feel that I have accomplished something more that working for others, to create something on my own. It may change world, it may not - doesn't matter, it's yours and always will be yours. Sure, it may require more work, it may be more stressful - but I choose this over being a tiny cog in another's men machine for the next 10 or 20 years as my life is running through the hands.

[secretdark]

I got there a little while ago and started my own little business (a mobile development company, predominantly for Android). I've had a startup, worked for fairly large web-name, done a bit of consulting, and worked freelance. The business is, by far, the hardest in terms of stress. I can't say I don't spend any time at all envying a few of my friends with stable jobs, salaries and work hours, but it's been an eye-opener in terms of personal growth and my own capabilities (occasionally a lack thereof) and I can't recommend it enough. My own endeavour may well still fail but I've learnt more about myself and my abilities than I'd ever have a chance to in a normal 9-to-5.

I had a recruiter contact me for a developer position recently at a good, interesting company. I politely declined, saying I'd started my own small company. He said again that it was a rare opportunity, likely to disappear, and began going through all their upsides again (or, at least, the ones he figured would appeal) and finished with "and they have a foozball table!"

I don't want to belittle fulltime jobs, fun working environments, or large companies, but in my opinion the chance at working for yourself - even if you suck at it - is worth more than regular access to a foozball table.

Best of luck with your dream. I'm pullin' for you, brother.

[pkorzeniewski]

Stories from people like you - who decided to take the risk, start a business and succeed - really motivates me to move forward. I'm currently working with my friend on a project in my free time while having a full-time day job and yes, sometimes I question if it's worth it. It's been half a year now, we're very close but man, am I tired - and I know it won't end when we'll be able to work full time on it. Yet, at the same time, I am happy as never - I absolutely love working on my own, to me it's pure mental freedom.

I hope one day I'll be able to be at your position and say "I run my own business" :)

[Revex]

I am about to jump from safety of the regular salary, and do something similar. I'll be 30 in a few months and have always wanted to do this. Just curious how did your journey into biz-owner begin, and what was the biggest shock?

[secretdark]

I ended up working as a developer for an digital agency based in Toronto. It was relatively small (~10 people, in total) but catered to some huge clients. I realised that, with experience in freelancing (managing my own time and projects), consulting (working with non-technical clients on technical projects) and development itself, my skillset was varied enough that the jump from freelancer to simple subcontracting to business owner shouldn't actually that large a move. Once I thought of that, not doing it seemed impossible. I can't say it's been as smooth-sailing as I thought but I've been doing it for a little 2 years now and we're still here.

The biggest shock was probably the amount of time it takes to simply manage the business. While I was used to a degree of bookkeeping and simple project management from freelancing, I wasn't quite prepared to spend a fifth of my time managing the everyday flow of the business, as I find myself doing now. It's a natural progression, but I still can't say I'm quite used to it. I am better at planning for it though, and ensuring that my time spent project managing is taken into account. Hope that helps.

[sosuke]

I'd love to be able to pick your brain, my email is in my account page. I've been struggling on a similar path, just trying to find clients actually.

[icantthinkofone]

When you have your own business, you are never free or independent. You will work harder and more hours than you ever worked for anyone else. Your business will always be on your mind and you will have that occasional, or constant, fear of everything going bad.

That you might feel happier working for yourself is a personality trait that you, and I, may have but not everyone does. You may find you don't have it either once you start your own place.

[j45]

Freedom of time and pursuit for as long as you wish is the only wealth for many. It can be lost how large this silent majority is.