What made it possible was that I spent an entire year before hand designing and developing apps on the side. I got to the point where I was averaging at least $2,500 a month from the App Store, which was half of what I made at my design job.

I knew with that as a base I could make up the difference with consulting.

The other really important thing I did was save a lot of money. I took all the profits from an entire year of selling apps, plus my regular savings, and had just over $30,000 in savings.

Those two things gave me the confidence to leave, even with a newborn baby.

Now, 1 year later, I've written two books (one comes out next week), released more apps, and make more money than I did at the day job. All while having more flexibility.

If you want to talk further, my email address is in my profile.

Good luck!

1) Spend that time becoming an expert in your field and developing a network of professional contacts; 2) Marry a bright, accommodating spouse with a stable career and generous health insurance; 3) Be willing to work your family into your business life so you don't become alienated from them.

I think it's a bit of HN echo chamber thinking to believe that you can't do a startup while married with kids. Outside Silicon Valley, a startup by a married person will raise fewer eyebrows than a startup by a 20-something.

Sure - here it is, short and to the point: "Don't even think about it."

I think that kind of peace of mind would be invaluable in really giving it a go.

A rich, childless uncle dying may also work.