Ask HN: Story of switching from a programmer job to own business/startup

Could you please share key points and insights of your journey from being an employee to making your own money, growing your own business?

What motivated you?

Was it a gradual process or leap of faith?

If gradual — how did you combined two activities lifestyle, financial, legal and working hours - wise?

Did you get your partners, first employees from previous employer?

What would you do differently?