Finally Found my Community

[mannders0n]

Hi everyone. I haven't posted on social media for years, but also struggled finding people having the same drive and vision as me. I'm not lonely per se, but I've been truly deprived of the conversations and connection that seems to thrive here.

Like many of you here, I learned to love building and computers at a young age. In fact, during 6th grade I built a fun app and released it on the iOS store, making $3000 or so. This was big money at that age, and although I quickly blew it all on airsoft and video games, I believe it ruined my ability to be satisfied with a 9-5 forever.

Regardless, the scripted lifestyle came knocking at my door, and it was time to grow up. I rushed through college in three years and got a software engineering job making "good money" remotely. On the surface it looks like I'm doing amazing, decent apartment, decent car, great relationships and health. I'm good at my job and get great performance reviews. That being said, I am dying inside. I was born to create my own business and acquire freedom.

I just finished TMF , and have read other entrepreneur and philosophy books. I have an idea of what it takes to succeed, and all the information I could ask on this forum could probably be answered by books (HUGE thank you to MJ for his writing).

Instead, I'm here to meet you guys, to learn from each other, and to grow together. Thanks to MJ for coalescing people like us into a strong community, and thanks to you all who I hope to be exchanging inspirational and exciting stories with in the near future.

 

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[MJ DeMarco]

Like many of you here, I learned to love building and computers at a young age. In fact, during 6th grade I built a fun app and released it on the iOS store, making $3000 or so.

So why did you stop here? This could have been a stepping stone to bigger and better things?

This was a big success... like winning a statewide high school tennis tournament, and then not playing in college.

 

[Marpen]

Hi everyone. I haven't posted on social media for years, but also struggled finding people having the same drive and vision as me. I'm not lonely per se, but I've been truly deprived of the conversations and connection that seems to thrive here.

Like many of you here, I learned to love building and computers at a young age. In fact, during 6th grade I built a fun app and released it on the iOS store, making $3000 or so. This was big money at that age, and although I quickly blew it all on airsoft and video games, I believe it ruined my ability to be satisfied with a 9-5 forever.

Regardless, the scripted lifestyle came knocking at my door, and it was time to grow up. I rushed through college in three years and got a software engineering job making "good money" remotely. On the surface it looks like I'm doing amazing, decent apartment, decent car, great relationships and health. I'm good at my job and get great performance reviews. That being said, I am dying inside. I was born to create my own business and acquire freedom.

I just finished TMF , and have read other entrepreneur and philosophy books. I have an idea of what it takes to succeed, and all the information I could ask on this forum could probably be answered by books (HUGE thank you to MJ for his writing).

Instead, I'm here to meet you guys, to learn from each other, and to grow together. Thanks to MJ for coalescing people like us into a strong community, and thanks to you all who I hope to be exchanging inspirational and exciting stories with in the near future.

I was similar! I too sold stuff from an early age and the idea of having a boss has always urked me. I cant wait for you to jump back on that wagon and blow us away!

 

[mannders0n]

So what did you stop here? This could have been a stepping stone to bigger and better things?

This was a big success... like winning a statewide high school tennis tournament, and then not playing in college.

Oh wow, cool that you keep up with these introductions

I didn't stop, but I was misguided. My first successful app was a dumb game, and I thought that with improved skills I could make a better game which would make better money. I did make two games that were "objectively better", but the market decided and sold much less. I really wanted to move out of my parents house and be independent, so I rushed to a full time engineering job.

I don't regret it, my SWE job is task based not time based, so I've purposely "gently exceeded expectations", so I have at least 20-30 hours a week to dedicate to the fast lane. Also I've lost interest in playing/making games, and have developed more technical skills with a higher probability to add value to real world businesses.

Just got my LLC approved, registered my domain, and started building my product. Very excited to take this seriously, thanks for the warm welcome!

 

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[heavy_industry]

My first successful app was a dumb game

Elon Musk programmed a similarly "dump game" at about the same age and sold it for $500. Look where he is now.

Programming an app at this age and actually getting some traction in the market is remarkable.

You have a lot of potential. I am sure your business will take off in a big way.
Good luck!