First Fastlane Month, Feels Amazing! $65,000+ Revenue Pre-tax

[GrayCode]

I wanted to post this here as motivation for others and proof that @MJ DeMarco is having an actual effect on changing people's lives. This has been a long time coming...

I first read MFL in 2015 and it changed how I approached things. I wound up learning to code from scratch self-taught. It was a long journey (the process) of ditching my late 20's and digging in to learning code. Head buried in books, podcasts, blogs, courses, and anything else I could get my hands on. It started paying off last year when I got hired full-time as a software engineer.

Went from being a personal trainer making maybe $30k a year to making $100k per year as an engineer. It was a huge upgrade for me and I stuck with my minimalistic living (in NYC) to keep bills low so I can finally get ahead. Paid off some credit debt and never looked back.

There were so many milestones I hit along the way. Here I am 4 years later, getting ready to go into the next decade with new life, pep in my step and my focus on being full-time fastlane.

@MJ DeMarco ... Thank you.

And thanks to everyone else whom I've learned things from over the years. If there's any way I can give back by helping answer questions or etc, I'd be happy to.

 

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[BenG]

That's awesome. What language did you learn to code? Currently learning PHP myself for part of my degree.

 

[manxlin]

Amazing, congratulations bro!
Have you been able to unlink your time from money?

 

[GrayCode]

That's awesome. What language did you learn to code? Currently learning PHP myself for part of my degree.

Hey @BenG, I learned Ruby/Rails - then eventually added Javascript and React Native to my skill set. So now I'm able to build for the web, the API layer and Mobile apps.

 

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[GrayCode]

Amazing, congratulations bro!
Have you been able to unlink your time from money?

Yeah, for the most part. I choose how many hours to work per week for the most part. But this bit is important. I first ventured into learning code purely as a means to an end (to earn alot).

But I wound up falling in love with being able to code and build anything I want. So I don't consider what I do work at all. I enjoy doing it.

 

[csalvato]

Congrats!

Just clarifying: did you learn to code, and have been saving in that time while working full time? Or did you just make $65k in a month from some software product/project you've been working on?

 

[lobo]

Do you have a degree? or did you just learn code and apply for jobs?

 

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[GrayCode]

Congrats!

Just clarifying: did you learn to code, and have been saving in that time while working full time? Or did you just make $65k in a month from some software product/project you've been working on?

Clarification:
- Started learning to code in Aug 2016.
- Started job in early 2018.
- Income you see there is from job + side hustle business (dev company) + stock market
- The entire 65k is this past month if you notice dates on deposits. Oct 20th or so until present day

 

[GrayCode]

Do you have a degree? or did you just learn code and apply for jobs?

No degree, just learned to code on my own. Then spent time building my own projects to really knew I had it down, then applied for jobs.

Just to clarify this isn't my jobs income in a month. It's a combination of 3-4 sources

 

[manxlin]

Yeah, for the most part. I choose how many hours to work per week for the most part. But this bit is important. I first ventured into learning code purely as a means to an end (to earn alot).

But I wound up falling in love with being able to code and build anything I want. So I don't consider what I do work at all. I enjoy doing it.

Ouh! It has to be great to do what you want and also enjoy it, congratulations Gray!!

 

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[Benji90]

Congratulations!

I'm 29 and I'm starting to take an interest into coding, currently going through a Udemy course.

Love seeing success stories.

 

[csalvato]

Clarification:
- Started learning to code in Aug 2016.
- Started job in early 2018.
- Income you see there is from job + side hustle business (dev company) + stock market
- The entire 65k is this past month if you notice dates on deposits. Oct 20th or so until present day

Much more clear now.

That's a lot of coin to pull in from providing services! I imagine this was a whole bunch of accounts paying at once + your paychecks?

Again, congrats! A very similar story to my own.

 

[lobo]

If one was to follow your footsetps, where should one start?

maybe start with HTML & CSS & Javascript?

 

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[SpongeGod]

TheOdinProject is a great resource.
@GrayCode is it still relevant to learn ruby on the back end? Would I be better off with python or java? I'm in nyc, but a lot of the job listings do NOT list ruby as a requirement, but do list python or some other language.

 

[csalvato]

I'm a RoR programmer + have worked as a CTO-level leader.

Whenever I am looking for jobs, my inbox fills up fast with recruiter messages. I often have to tell them I won't even look at their job unless it's over $200k/year, the ability to work fully remote all the time on my own schedule, fully paid healthcare, and an office budget.

And even then, they still want to interview/hire me.

I think there's enough demand.

 

[Benji90]

I'm a RoR programmer + have worked as a CTO-level leader.

Whenever I am looking for jobs, my inbox fills up fast with recruiter messages. I often have to tell them I won't even look at their job unless it's over $200k/year, the ability to work fully remote all the time on my own schedule, fully paid healthcare, and an office budget.

And even then, they still want to interview/hire me.

I think there's enough demand.

That's amazing! RoR added to my pile.

 

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[Primeperiwinkle]

Congratulations dude, that’s a great story. Very inspiring!

 

[csalvato]

That's amazing! RoR added to my pile.

You probably don't need a pile Just pick one that's in demand and go with it. Anything from here is a good choice:

Stack Overflow Developer Survey 2019

Nearly 90,000 took this comprehensive, annual survey of people who code. Demographics. Most loved, dreaded and wanted technologies. Salary and careers.

insights.stackoverflow.com

 

[Benji90]

You probably don't need a pile Just pick one that's in demand and go with it. Anything from here is a good choice:

Stack Overflow Developer Survey 2019

Nearly 90,000 took this comprehensive, annual survey of people who code. Demographics. Most loved, dreaded and wanted technologies. Salary and careers.

insights.stackoverflow.com

It was just an expression, I'm currently taking a Udemy course for front end web development, wanted to eventually get into back end, RoR seems like a good place to look at.

Thanks for the information, theres so much jargon when it comes to coding etc it's nice to get some directions.

 

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[GrayCode]

Congratulations!

I'm 29 and I'm starting to take an interest into coding, currently going through a Udemy course.

Love seeing success stories.

It was just an expression, I'm currently taking a Udemy course for front end web development, wanted to eventually get into back end, RoR seems like a good place to look at.

Thanks for the information, theres so much jargon when it comes to coding etc it's nice to get some directions.

Udemy is a solid source. The Odin Project is also good for RoR. I used udemy + lots and lots of building on my own and google + stack overflow.

I'm 28 now, 29 in April. So we're around the same age. Coding definitely changed my life, don't let anyone tell you otherwise IF you're entrepreneurial with it.

Everything @csalvato recommended is spot on. Also, honestly I'd be wary of 'front end development' as a starting point. Learning front end frameworks are great, but they often come with much more abstraction and jargon then learning RoR and really getting a good base down.

Not to mention that Javascript changes super often, so I found it's hard for newer people to get a grasp on it and they eventually give up thinking it's far too hard. ping same advice for - @Crissco

Much more clear now.

That's a lot of coin to pull in from providing services! I imagine this was a whole bunch of accounts paying at once + your paychecks?

Again, congrats! A very similar story to my own.

Well, the last few months have been 15k, 20k, 25k, 35k and now this one at 65k. So yes, but also a good chunk from some stock market (about 22k).

It does feel like a lot of coin, but I know I'm just getting started. There's no shot this is my peak month for the rest of my life, ya know. Just honestly feels great to see all that hard work start to pay off from all the time sacrificed while learning and everyone else just partying.

I actually hung out with some friends last night, the crew who would be like: "Hey dude, F*cking live a little and come out with us, woo, drinks"

It'd be a Saturday night and there I was grinding away because I visualized months like these. So i'd be a damn liar if I didn't say I bragged a bit last night when I finally hung out with them (in a fun way).

@csalvato You have your story posted anywhere, I'm interested to hear about your journey.

If one was to follow your footsetps, where should one start?

maybe start with HTML & CSS & Javascript?

It really depends on what you want to do with your coding knowledge, but I think every developer should have an expert level understanding of HTML/CSS it's the basis for everything.

TheOdinProject is a great resource.
@GrayCode is it still relevant to learn ruby on the back end? Would I be better off with python or java? I'm in nyc, but a lot of the job listings do NOT list ruby as a requirement, but do list python or some other language.

I'm a RoR programmer + have worked as a CTO-level leader.

Whenever I am looking for jobs, my inbox fills up fast with recruiter messages. I often have to tell them I won't even look at their job unless it's over $200k/year, the ability to work fully remote all the time on my own schedule, fully paid healthcare, and an office budget.

And even then, they still want to interview/hire me.

I think there's enough demand.

@SpongeGod everything @csalvato said is correct. There is no best language. It really is just what you enjoy writing in most. I believe that @eliquid made his millions as a PHP developer. You can do it with any language.

Best thing I can say is: DO NOT listen to people when they start the "X language/framework is irrelevant XYZ is the way to go." It's just a popularity contest because people want to be validated in their own choice.

Congratulations dude, that’s a great story. Very inspiring!

Thank you

 

[Benji90]

@GrayCode understand where you're coming from, my goal was to make enough money covering my current wage (£2k a month working 60hrs a week) selling wordpress sites so I can focus more on my own thing.

What you and @csalvato are saying makes a lot of sense though, seems I was trying to put a roof on a house without having the walls built.

Appreciate the words of wisdom, hope this 65k month is just the start for you.

 

[MJ DeMarco]

Congratulations. This was ALL you.

I made this GOLD because you didn't do anything unusual but work hard and be consistent.

You just taught yourself a higher-level skill (SELF-TAUGHT!) and upped your personal value. Now, you can really start ramping up!

Thank you for sharing this, really warms my heart!

 

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[GrayCode]

@GrayCode understand where you're coming from, my goal was to make enough money covering my current wage (£2k a month working 60hrs a week) selling wordpress sites so I can focus more on my own thing.

What you and @csalvato are saying makes a lot of sense though, seems I was trying to put a roof on a house without having the walls built.

Appreciate the words of wisdom, hope this 65k month is just the start for you.

Ok, first off. If you get the basics down. You'll earn far more than $2k a month in far less than 60 hours a week. Also I work fully remote and intend to do some traveling soon, while still working.

I agree, you're trying to put the roof on before the walls are built, but also, before the walls go up there needs to be a foundation. That foundation is definitely HTML/CSS and really HTML is like maybe 10-20 different tags you need to know that are most important and CSS is super easy and once you really grasp the cascading aspect of CSS + working with IDs (#someId) and CLASSES (.some_class ). You're golden and that's your foundation.

Also, SUPER IMPORTANT to note...

I'm not saying React and similar frameworks are bad to learn, maybe just not first. Here's why I think so: It's actually quite complicated to grasp and if you feel overwhelmed you might quit before you really get to enjoy it.

I'm willing to bet 95% of apps out there do not need reactive components. Unless the data you're working with is constantly changing, think stock quotes etc.

So HTML+CSS + RoR is really all you need to get rolling and make huge gains in your knowledge. However, I'd ask myself: "Do I want to build wordpress sites, and why?" Also - I believe wordpress is php based (not sure, don't mess with WP) and it's really lower end of the market at this point. You'll be competing with developers overseas who will charge $5 per hour for their time (not a good place to be)

Instead, I'd bet strongly that you could pick up HTML + CSS in ... 3 weeks. and RoR good enough to get a remote job in 6-9 months depends how hard you go at it. Just my opinion. Just remember I can't make the decision for you, I can only share what worked for me and just because it did, doesn't mean your results will be exactly the same.

Congratulations. This was ALL you.

I made this GOLD because you didn't do anything unusual but work hard and be consistent.

Thanks for the gold! I feel apart of the crew of value-givers now.

You just taught yourself a higher-level skill (SELF-TAUGHT!) and upped your personal value. Now, you can really start ramping up!

Yeah, I can really feel the value I provide now. Focusing on a money-tree now. I actually turned down a job on upwork the other day because it was going to pay $20k, but the person wanted web app + mobile apps + API. I was finally in a position to turn something like that down and it felt damn good, didn't regret it.

Thank you for sharing this, really warms my heart!

Echos from the market-mind MJ. Glad I was able to pass some good vibes your way. Thanks again!

 

[Loop]

Congratulations my friend.

I am also learning to code and your story makes me feel more confident. Yeah you are right, many JavaScript based libraries and frameworks are not easy for new developers to learn and understand.

Just my opinion. Just remember I can't make the decision for you, I can only share what worked for me and just because it did, doesn't mean your results will be exactly the same.

I totally agree with you.

Congratulations. This was ALL you.

I made this GOLD because you didn't do anything unusual but work hard and be consistent.

You just taught yourself a higher-level skill (SELF-TAUGHT!) and upped your personal value. Now, you can really start ramping up!

Thank you for sharing this, really warms my heart!

Although I am not Graycode, I still learn something from your post. Thank you MJ.

Graycode, I also like your story because of your hard word and consistency (the process).

Keep going, my friend.

 

[GrayCode]

Congratulations my friend.

I am also learning to code and your story makes me feel more confident. Yeah you are right, many JavaScript based libraries and frameworks are not easy for new developers to digest.



I totally agree with you.



Although I am not Graycode, I still learn something from your post. Thank you MJ.

Graycode, I also like your story because of your hard word and consistency (the process).

Keep going, my friend.

Thank you @Loop - Stay motivated, stay confident. Anyone can learn to code - just takes persistence.

 

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[WillHurtDontCare]

"Hey dude, F*cking live a little..."

I'd wager that seeing those notifications made you feel quite alive.

Congratulations on the success after hard work.

 

[SamRussell]

Awesome thread. Congrats on kicking a$$ like that!

 

[Grinder20]

I wanted to post this here as motivation for others and proof that @MJ DeMarco is having an actual effect on changing people's lives. This has been a long time coming...

I first read MFL in 2015 and it changed how I approached things. I wound up learning to code from scratch self-taught. It was a long journey (the process) of ditching my late 20's and digging in to learning code. Head buried in books, podcasts, blogs, courses, and anything else I could get my hands on. It started paying off last year when I got hired full-time as a software engineer.

Went from being a personal trainer making maybe $30k a year to making $100k per year as an engineer. It was a huge upgrade for me and I stuck with my minimalistic living (in NYC) to keep bills low so I can finally get ahead. Paid off some credit debt and never looked back.

There were so many milestones I hit along the way. Here I am 4 years later, getting ready to go into the next decade with new life, pep in my step and my focus on being full-time fastlane.

@MJ DeMarco ... Thank you.

And thanks to everyone else whom I've learned things from over the years. If there's any way I can give back by helping answer questions or etc, I'd be happy to.

@GrayCode, congrats!! I wish you the best!

 

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[GrayCode]

I'd wager that seeing those notifications made you feel quite alive.

Congratulations on the success after hard work.

Yeah, they would mostly send those messages 1-2 years ago before the results started coming in. I just put my head down and kept going, always thinking "I'll show you living a little in a few years".

Childish-ness might've taken over but I hung out with some friends the other night. First time in maybe 2-3 months. They mistakenly got on the topic of how I never come hang out. I'm apparently "too busy working hard to not enjoy life". To which I had to do it!

I said: "How much money will you make this year?"
Friend: "85k"
Me: "Cool, I made 65k this month".

Childish, maybe. Gratifying, F*ck yeah.

Awesome thread. Congrats on kicking a$$ like that!

@GrayCode, congrats!! I wish you the best!

Thanks! Onwards!!

 

[csalvato]

I said: "How much money will you make this year?"
Friend: "85k"
Me: "Cool, I made 65k this month".

This is fun for a short while...but over indulging this might not be in your best interests, long term.

I try to flip the script from "I'm doing well and think better than you" to "I'm doing well, how can I get you on my level?"

It's tough. Takes a lot of mental discipline, but is very rewarding long term.

Can't fault you for indulging, though