I completely agree about not quitting (if the job is unsatisfying). I've found I consistently have way more confidence going on an interview already employed.
I'm about to quit my job with the aim of starting up my own company. I don't have a lot of non-tech contacts - i.e. potential customers and angel investors. That is my biggest worry.
I can't really bootstrap while on the job since I am currently in a large corporate job where the company owns everything I dream up.
So .. while I agree with all the advice about not quitting a job until one has another one lined up (I've given the same advice to others) ... I am about to go against this advice myself.
Any words of advice on how to manage this? Am I bonkers? Some stats ... have 6 months of living costs in liquid savings. No kids. Going to be leaving a job that pays north of 120K (which is not much in elite companies it seems).
She bootstrapped while on the job. I am not 100% sure how she managed that vis-a-vis her employer, but I'm guessing that she had a conversation with them and put her cards on the table, and that they came to an agreement of some sort. Incidentally, IANAL, but my understanding of those workplace IP agreements is that they only cover inventions and ideas you come up with "in the course of performing your job," or something to that effect. They do not cover nights and weekends. Read your contract's fine print, though, because there have been horror stories here.
Hit me up over email (address in my profile) if you're interested in speaking to my friend about her experience. I'm also happy to help as best I can.