HN: you are guilty of premature optimization

Most of us here want to become financially free. This is what draws us to talk about startups, finances, and the like. You would think, being hackers, we would focus on the most efficient ways to become financially free. But, we do not. Instead we focus on one, very difficult, exhausting, and undependable method - selling an online startup. Why is this?

Some might say it is because you want to be your own boss. Fine, but don't you want to be your own boss because then you are free? Isn't the original problem, then, that you are enslaved by the pursuit of money?

Others might say they like the glamor. For that it seems obvious that you need large amounts of publicity and money. But why make this assumption? What is more glamorous, someone who is dependent on a massive infrastructure, or someone who struck out and made their own destiny? Plus, the new, social media is much better publicity than that of the old, institutional media. With all the time on your hands when you are financially free, you have plenty of time to make a name for yourself.

Finally, some may just want loads of money to spend on whatever cool gadgets and experiences they may want. This is more difficult to achieve with financial freedom alone. But, it is not impossible. Again, financial freedom gives you all the time you could need, plenty of time to figure out clever ways to get what you want.

As capitalism proves, human ingenuity is the real wealth, and that is only limited by time.