I got lucky and was able to live rent free for a few months, sleeping in guest rooms and couches while I travelled / hacked around the midwest. Living is expensive, make sure you have things budgeted properly. It’ll save a lot of unpleasant surprise down the road.
Unless you’re building something that’s immediately profitable, you will take on outside work. But that’s okay – you now get to decide what you work on.
Don’t expect anyone to understand your path. Sure, you’ll get the few pats on the back for being ‘courageous’, but those closest to you will think you’re nuts. If you have a girlfriend / wife, this adds a significant stressor to your relationship.
People like Levels make this lifestyle look easy. It’s not. ‘Ramen profitable’ has the same romantic appeal as a ‘starving artist’, but when you’ve got $54.20 in your bank account to pay 7k in bills that were due last month, and no money coming in; it loses a bit of its lustre.
This life is hard. It is often lonely. But if you play your cards right, it is fun. I unequivocally have the coolest job in the world – and I don’t regret a step I’ve taken.
Who dares, wins.