A little over 1 year ago, I wrote about my decision to leave the full-time corporate world and start working for myself. It proved to be one of my most popular posts, so I thought it would be good to have a one-year follow-up.
After one year, I can absolutely say that I really should have done this a lot sooner. Working for myself, at home has been a lot of work, but it has been incredibly fun. I actually look forward to starting work each day!
I absolutely love working at home and being able to set my own schedule. In the summer, I could enjoy a nice sunny day and choose to work at night instead. I could take breaks to go to the kids’ events and other appointments without worry. Schedule flexibility is great.
But this doesn’t mean I’ve been goofing off. Although I probably didn’t average 40 hours a week, I definitely worked harder this past year than I’ve worked in years! I am also fortunate that I left my job when I did. The company I used to work for had a layoff in August and I’m sure I would have been one of those let go. It’s much better to leave a job on your own terms!
As I expected, most of the revenue I generated last year came through a variety of consulting projects. I created lots of desktop solutions (using REALbasic of course), DotNetNuke web sites and did various local Window/Macintosh computer support.
For 2009, I’ve vowed to have more products available to sell and I’ve released the first one: SQLite Migrator. More products are in the pipeline, but the trick is finding enough time to work on them!
I made slightly less money in 2008 than I did in 2007, but I also feel I worked less hours than I would have at a corporate job. And I’d much rather earn less money and be happy than be raking it in and be miserable. Of course, it would be even better to be raking it in and be happy!
Year #2 will be an even harder challenge. My wife got laid off around Christmas so we no longer have a safety net in place. But so far this year, business has been ahead of last year and hopefully that will continue (and if you’re looking to create some top-quality desktop software, give me a ring).
So here’s to a great 2009! And if you’re looking to jump out of the corporate world, you might want to check out Pamela Slim’s new book “Escape From Cubicle Nation“, which will be available in April.
4 Responses to “Leaving the Day Job: One Year Later”
Congrats on the first year! I too, really enjoy the flexibility to be able to go to kids events, go to the gym in the middle of the afternoon, etc.
Hours are a funny thing. I track all my hours and focus on ‘billable’ hours. For us the magic number for billable hours is about 20 per week. Under 20 and things get tight – over 20 and things are good. Of course we have 3 employees so we have some flexibility that I didn’t have when I was solo.
Cheers! Here’s to a great 2009 and beyond.
Paul,
It’s great to hear that you are doing well, and I hope that you have a great 2009!
Congratulations Paul on your first anniversary and your first product launch! It certainly is nice to get year one under your belt. Knowing that survival is possible reduces the stress quite a bit.
Good luck in year two and beyond.
Congrats! I too am closing in on my 1st anniversary in my own business. Started in 2005 as a hobby it outgrew the hours available in the day about 18 months ago and I struggled for 6 months before cutting the safety net.
I can only second all comments on being free to plan your days. In the bad old days I spent early mornings and late evenings just to get things done (not counting the Saturdays and Sundays).
Cheers!
/msa