Dropping the full-time high-pay gig - I need help choosing a smart path that I can rely on to produce enough to survive comfortably ($2,500 per month)

Posted by Jeff V on Programmers See other posts from Programmers or by Jeff V
Published on 2010-11-06T05:57:25Z Indexed on 2010/12/27 18:58 UTC
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I have about 6 years of full time experience developing web applications and tools. I know perl, python, PHP, ruby, and a good deal of SQL and relational theory.

I have never had to choose a self-employed path as I have always had full time work or a bank account (credit cards) to support a big project.

I'm planning to move out of the country to an area that will not offer local employment, and need some advice on what to focus on. I want to move in no more than six months, I have enough savings to live for an additional six months, but I would like to conserve it as much as possible. I enjoy taking risks, so I'm not looking for discussion of whether this is a good idea or not. I want advice on the most reliable solution given my skill set.

Some paths I'm considering:

  • Learn objective-c and build quality Apple software.
  • Develop subscription based web tools for SEO, or other Marketing applications
  • Attempt to acquire freelance projects by developing a reputation within open source projects, freelancer.com, and other online communities

The last time I left my job, I was building a startup (that went under), and missed out living in a beautiful place due to the amount of time I worked. I would like to work 30-40 hours per week max.

I can dedicate 10-15 hours per week while at my current job to prepare and learn.

A preemptive thanks for the advice...

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