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I’d extremely not recommend this. Everyone is different of course, but there’s no way you can work a full time job, stay healthy, and dedicate enough time to a serious new endeavor. Don’t listen to the hustle bullshit. If you want to do a startup, just quit and jump into it.

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It wasn't a startup exactly, but I did part-time software dev contracting as a side hustle for about 3 months while I held down a full time job. It was excruciating. But, it did allow me to build up enough cushion to comfortably make the jump to full time contracting. Which was my best career move yet.

I really wouldn't want to go through that again, but it was worth it.

> there’s no way you can work a full time job, stay healthy, and dedicate enough time to a serious new endeavor

I agree. I didn't stay very healthy when I was working a day job and also working nights / weekends. It was exhausting.

Unfortunately I didn't have enough savings to be able to quit my job. It was definitely a trade off.

That’s fair, and I assume it worked out ok for you in the end. I imagine people who are able to pull that off know who they are. Definitely understand the trade off.

I just think as general advice for young programmers, “work 60+ hour weeks” is very much the wrong message. Stay healthy and let your passion drive your work.

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