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Comment by sharemywin | Hacker News Reader

Not to say it can't be done, but it's probably better to focus on becoming more of an expert and learning new things to keep a job than an idea that's good at selling books, but really hard to achieve. I've lost a lot of money trying to chase side businesses. It's really hard to half ass something and make it successful. And if you do happen to find something like that why not put few more resources into it and make it really successful. The best investment I've had by far was socking away money into a 401k.

The problem is most businesses pay labor at minimum wage or slightly more plus own profit which a lot usually gets eaten by marketing, overhead etc.

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Thank you for your comment - I really appreciate that you engaged thoughtfully with my question.

I understand I could make a massive amount (relatively) of money specializing, and to a certain extent I am, but I truly hate the market's insistence I be a one-trick pony. I'm willing to accept a lower standard of living to avoid this. I want to focus on other things in my life than the problems my boss tells me are important.

EDIT: I'm a big fan of ERE, if that tells you anything.

There's always real estate. Not passive mind you but still one of the more reliable ways to make more income on the side.

You could become a consultant/contractor. Not telling you not to explore other opportunities and or businesses. Although, I would avoid most canned business opportunities. I would focus on one at a time until its been exploited to its potential.

This. If there were magic businesses that you can run with little / less than fill time effort and earn reasonable cash, then wouldn't everyone do it?

The only successful people I know that run 'side' businesses work at them 110% putting in crazy hours for some good returns. One friend runs a company that gives out branded chilled desserts on hot days with advertising on. Maybe this will turn into his retirement money, but for now it gives him a good lump of money, but takes serious hours and head space alongside other commitments. And there is no guarantee that it will still make him cash next year.

I know specialising can feel like selling out, but that it where you look to specialise is something you are passionate about and care for.

Savings, maybe property in the right area and stocks it you get lucky is the way to go likely, all backed up with a solid career.

But then again, I'm a wage slave so what do I know! Go for it and let us know how you get on! Id imagine it would make a brilliant blog!

Thanks for the encouragement! We wage slaves need to support each other.

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