Comment by badtension | Hacker News Reader

Comment by badtension | Hacker News Reader

I quit in December 2019 (best time for that kind of thing). I had some money put aside and decided to put my time and effort into getting a deeper understanding of ML to find a more meaningful job (my old one was draining me so much).

After a few months it looked like the job perspectives weren't as good during the pandemic so I decided to finish my side project - get some more experience, maybe even earn some side income if all goes well.

After a bit over 1 year working on it on and off I can say it is really hard to stay focused and disciplined when being alone. I feel ashamed (I probably shouldn't) but it seems like I can only be a slave. When working along other people or under a boss I have no problem in getting things done.

I am determined to at least get to the minimum sensible demo to show potential users. It will probably take another few months to make it and if everything looks good, a few more to get to a point where it can be a a solid value proposition.

It really isn't great, I am not diagnosed with any mental illnesses but one day I feel it all is going to be great and help many people, the next day I can see in my mind how its value is seen as minuscule or Windows or Android API changes and kills it off in a year.

Keeping the good mental state and working reliably is very hard.

One thing that helps with not having a boss is getting customers paying for your product as quickly as possible. They become a type of "boss", but one you can easily "fire" if needed. This means scoping down your grand vision to what's essential for someone to pay. It's hard, but it's worth it.

I've never had a customer so I'll take your word for it, it makes sense.

I am trying to get the scope down to the very core value. Then build on that if there is any traction with the basic service.

Don't feel bad, or ashamed, this is perfectly normal.

I find renting a desk in a co-working space has helped me stay a little more motivated and positive over the last several months (home office gets too monotone).

Just do your best and make a genuine effort, if you do and you still want to go back to a classic job, then do it. As long as you know you gave it a genuine effort, you have nothing to feel bad about.

Thank you for the kind words. I more and more think that renting a desk was something I should have done long ago. I didn't realize working from home would be this bad (without people around or external pressure).

Yes, working from home is a mixed bag, it can be great, but sometimes a change of scenery and seeing other people being productive can be a real mood booster.

Good luck!

I had the same experience. The other part is without a team you have to do every single low level task, which takes a lot of time you didn't really think about before.

Not speaking from experience, but I believe you should start every day with sales. Demo doesn't need to be ready, get potential customers, feedback etc. Even the big ones start sales before the product is ready.

Also if you see there is interest it will help you to finish. You cannot skip the sales part, so instead of after finishing put it in front (it is also the hardest part for developers).

I have talked to a few people (yes, friends) that said it would solve some of their problems but nothing like selling up front or contacting random people.

I am a programmer and have a hard time "inverting" the process. This feels like a fraud or maybe is just a part of the imposter syndrome. I want to start with something that is at least a bit "interactive" to see how people behave using it. I think this may show a truer response, especially that this is directed to normal people (mostly nontechnical).

I read a lot about getting sales first but I really struggle with that concept especially when there's nothing to show other than screenshots and diagrams.

If you have time and think it might be good maybe read 'lean startup' , and maybe 'crossing the chasm'.

I believe sales doesn't get easier even if you have a fully fledged out product.

You’ve probably already heard about it but “The Mom Test” is a pretty good read.

Good perspective, thank you. I am starting an indefinite sabbatical here in 2 weeks, single and no kids. I don't know what I want or need, but I know it's not 50-60 hrs/week. I also will go nuts if I don't have objectives that I work towards. Having a team of coworkers are very motivational.

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