Ask HN: How do I turn my love for programming into independent source of money? | Hacker News Reader

Ask HN: How do I turn my love for programming into independent source of money?

2 pointsthrowaway_owe984 comments

I have a couple of decades of experience in corporate tech from small startups (founding engineer) to huge corporations. Maybe it's my bad luck, maybe something else, but I grew resentful of the tech industry.

I simply don't like working in teams, with other people, performing corporate rituals. It feels like a wasted potential, with most companies barely caring about their users or employees.

I do, however, enjoy programming. But I can't seem to find a way to escape the salaried job and create my own business. I've read about solopreneurs who made a SaaS or two, and now have an ARR of an average software engineering salary, while being location, and time independent. Sure, I believe they face other challenges, but I will be happy to tackle these challenges if I get location, and time independence.

I have tried to start my own businesses, both educational in a form of content, but also SaaS. None of them make any significant money that would allow me to quit my salaried job.

Is this even possible, or it's just a myth?

Cliche answer: "If it was easy, everyone would do it."

Best answer I've gleaned from HN and elsewhere:

1. Develop a concept you think will get traction

2. Create a splash page and announce it (to collect emails)

3. If it attracts interest, build a Minimally Viable Product (MVP)

4. Respond to feedback, figure out who needs this and what premium features you can upsell

5. Only then, monetize it and plow profits into marketing until its a steady income stream

(Rinse and repeat)

Do this for all your good ideas until one sticks.

The biggest mistake developers make (I'm one) is thinking you have to build an entire juggernaut of an app with all the bells-and-whistles for it to ever have a chance at gaining traction. Then, we wonder why our huge time-investment isn't rewarded.

Instead, think small/different and iterate/improve from an MVP to find your market based on real customer feedback.

Some people do it. It's risky and not a sure thing. Many people who create something feel like they become a prisoner of it. Myself I made a web site that grossed $1000 a month on AdSense at the peak but then I got kicked out of AdSense.

More background of skills? More back end? Front end? Ignoring skills do you have any specific interests.

web dev mainly, fronted/backend.

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