 i quit my job just over 5 years ago to explain computer things (https://jvns.ca/blog/2019/09/13/a-year-explaining-computer-things/). I had no idea if I would like being my own boss but ultimately it's been really cool and I'm happy to have this weird job writing zines about computers. ("I’m not planning to hire employees or anything” turned out to not be an accurate prediction, now I work with 2 part-time employees who I don't know how I would manage without) 15 comments
 @b0rk someone asked me recently how long it took me to get used to the rhythm of working for myself and I said “uh, maybe 3 years?”. I thought working for myself would be hard to adjust to and it was, but I'm happy I did it anyway @b0rk I’m so happy this worked out so well for you! For you, of course, but also because now the world has so much of your work out there! I would love to read any sort of retrospective/lessons learned about why you think you succeeded. I think there are tons of folks who dream about doing similar work (including me) and extra info about what works always seems helpful and encouraging! @jacob thank you! i've thought about writing a retro but it's a bit tricky, from a business perspective a huge part of what made it easier is that I'd already built a pretty successful business somewhat unintentionally as a side project *before* I quit my job, but I don't think that's very useful advice @b0rk I dunno I think it is! Balancing work and side projects (and, like, life!), deciding when the risk is low enough to make the leap, continuing to (I assume) grow afterwards to the point that it’s sustainable and not just living off savings, continuing to come up with ideas (you said you only had one year of ideas built up - that fascinates me) … all/any of that stuff would super interest me. Obviously don’t if you don’t wanna but if any of that inspired you I’d read :)  @jacob @b0rk absolutely! And if I do manage to do that I’ll very happily write about how I’m very inspired by what Filippo Valsorda has been doing https://simonwillison.net/tags/filippo-valsorda/ |
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@b0rk
And your zines are amazing…accurate, clear, and so easily digested…thank you 🙏