I have been working in the freelancing mode, after my Startup product plateaued since September 2018. And it has been a good experience so far. I bill 50$ per hour. And working from India the rates work out pretty decent. Although, I do realize, especially when read posts like these that perhaps I am under-billing a bit.

Prior to that, I had experience as a corporate employee for 12+ years. And then my own startup for 10+ years. Now for past 2 and half years, work in the freelance mode.

Based on my experience, can say that both startup and freelancing are more freedom friendly choices. Although in your own startup/product, its difficult to pay yourself well, unless you are one of the few very successful ones. The reason I persisted for 10+ years is that, I was able to pay myself some salary, sufficient to live a decent life without eating into my savings (but perhaps 30% of my market value).

Once I started doing freelancing, then suddenly began to like it. It was refreshing experience. Kind of like swimming in cash flow, and having more than 50% surplus, which you can safely park in investments.

Also coming to full time freelancing after own product, was significantly less work. So less that, now I worry, if I have to work more (like in my startup days) will I be able to.

Based on the rumors I hear, recently, the salaries in India for senior engineers is out through the roof. And I am told one can make 200k USD at Internet company jobs in Bangalore, which are in the FAANG category. But I am not sure, its worth trading my freedom, at this point. Not sure, If I should be thinking of opportunity missed cost.