I'm about to get hired as senior developer and I'm not happy about it

[jeandearme]

I'm lost.

I'm broke after almost two years of being in crypto and in debt for the last 10+ years. I'm about to get hired for $6k/mo which is over 6x of what I spend on living (I live frugally in 1 bedroom studio by myself under $1k).

So why I say I'm lost?

I never liked the idea of being hired and having every day look the same or, even worse, being demanded to be somewhere at certain time where decision is not up to me. On the other hand I don't seem to be able to choose what I want to do:

• software house?
  I hear that it's nerve racking and customers don't always pay, but on the other hand I know something about business and software and would have legal side covered (my fam is made of lawyers) and there is constant demand
• ecommerce?
  Had a store that made some profit and sold it to someone else so I can say I exited one business successfully. Not enough cash now to run a new one, but definitely one day I want to hear again that sweet ka-ching sound.
• OnlyFans agency?
  You can laugh, but I see girls doing $100k/mo left and right and not even doing anything sexual. Those girls want to live easy life so they'd probably happily split 50/50 for just delivering new content (photos, videos) while agency does all the heavy lifting (chatting to guys, replies, promotion, upsells, copywriting etc.). Downside is that I never done that so probably off the list for now.
• own products/services?
  
  • ebook on crypto wallet security and sell on Gumroad
  • a specialized job board for only remote async jobs
• freelancing?
  
  • consultancy on software development and cryptocurrency
  • selling web (re)design services: just started looking at @Fox web school which is really well laid out and I love how much business approach is there and given my 8 years of software development experience it seems to make the most sense and lowest hanging fruit
  • offer fullstack software development services (I have one productized service that got customers so I have some track record)
  • get INSIDERS membership, doxx myself and offer services to the members here?
• building personal brand?
  I'm quite likeable and good looking (as in: taken care of, fit and girls do notice me) from what I know yet again wouldn't know what angle to take:
  
  • personal brand:
    
    • lifestyle? Not much to show for now (or as Gary Vee said: document everything)
    • as software dev? Lately I just found one that has 200k followers on instagram
    • as crypto trader/specialist? I didn't put trading as a separate list item because that's what I will always do and somehow the only thing I don't see ever leaving. I would love to be earning a living from trading alone, but so far bear market won with me.
  • professional brand:
    
    • which is usually good if you are hired gun which I don't want to be
• all at once? So a (one-man-band for start) software house that also offer consulting and crypto-related services while building a personal brand of software entrepreneur and trader at the same time?

It seems like I might have too much ideas, but to to be honest I have some trouble evaluating which one would be the best and most effective for me right now (or what mix would be the best). So at the end of the day I just sit on my a$$ and get anxious (idea paralyzed?) about doing anything...

...also because I look for quick cash infusion that I can make right NOW instead of in some months.

So far I came to conclusion that the easiest way would be to just get this job, stack crypto until next bull run and then retire (least mental effort) yet I know that less paid work (in the beginning), but done on my terms would be much more satisfactory and of course there would be no ceiling when it comes to how much I can earn and how fast and how many customers can I get.

Any tips highly appreciated! Maybe you will see something I missed

@fastlane_dad I feel like you might be able to help a bit (if you're down that is). I'm 33 yo, btw.

 

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[NeoDialectic]

Taking the job does not stop you from making a business outside of the job. I usually recommend people have a job while building their business so they can afford to live and so they have some pool of money to make investments from.

There's nothing wrong with wanting to make money NOW, as long as that doesn't mean looking for shortcuts. Mentioning OF and crypto makes me think you are looking for shortcuts and that may be at the root of your issues. If you look up the actual stats, OF isn't as lucrative to everyone as people think. Only a small percentage of the top OF pages are actually making any money. You are also making some big decisions that you may or may not be comfortable doing or may regret later. As far as crypto goes, you may as well just go to a casino and gamble.

This mindset of fast easy cash will poison your journey. If it was fast and easy, why wouldn't everyone do it? Who actually wants to work more to make less?! Even more importantly, why would they tell random people on the internet about it. I can write my idea generation thread knowing it won't create competition for myself because while the steps are simple, followthrough requires work and dedication. Most people that will read it are too lazy to do anything about it. They may do it for 3 minutes while they have the motivation and then quit. The few people willing to follow it and put in the work, there is more than enough room for them on Amazon and I'll be proud to hear about their success!

MJ spends alot of time stressing that success is not an event but a process. I think this is something you may have to continue thinking about. Most businesses aren't just going to start making you money overnight with little work. It's a long process.

It just sounds like you need to just start. Take an idea and run with it. See where it goes. Learn new skills. Keep in mind that you want to get to market as fast as you can.

 

[fastlane_dad]

I read your thread and initially thought you are 20 years old....SO let's start with a few questions

I'm lost.

I'm broke after almost two years of being in crypto and in debt for the last 10+ years.

Did you get out of your debt yet? That's step #1. Look over my steps to begin, and also my investing threads.

I'm about to get hired for $6k/mo which is over 6x of what I spend on living (I live frugally in 1 bedroom studio by myself under $1k).

That's great, assuming you do actually live frugally, you should be able to crush your debt very FAST.

What are you getting hired to do?

ADDITIONALLY, what have you been doing for the last 14 + years (have you build up any skills? learned through failures? etc).

You only speak of the last 2 ('being in crypto')

So why I say I'm lost?

I never liked the idea of being hired and having every day look the same or, even worse, being demanded to be somewhere at certain time where decision is not up to me.

There is really no avoiding that, and many times its a crucial element to getting on your feet, having enough to pay down debt, save some to invest and start your fastlane business.

Being in business and no 'boss' the last 15+ years, honestly my reality is not that much different then what you describe. Part of success comes from exactly what you quoted ' have every day look the same, and be somewhere at a certain time'. Over and over again, for 15+ years. Yes - @NeoDialectic were free to choose the projects and businesses we work on - but a schedule, and daily system in place brought us to where we are at today. Some days were more productive and effective then others. Others were a complete waste. Point is - don't shy away from responsibility and commitment.

Additionally - you absolutely cannot operate clearly under immense financial strain and pressure.

Your mindset is affected, and you will take actions that will typically only get you further in debt or making reckless mistakes and taking unnecessary risk (I assume that's what your crypto example above proved).

On the other hand I don't seem to be able to choose what I want to do:

• software house?
  I hear that it's nerve racking and customers don't always pay, but on the other hand I know something about business and software and would have legal side covered (my fam is made of lawyers) and there is constant demand
• ecommerce?
  Had a store that made some profit and sold it to someone else so I can say I exited one business successfully. Not enough cash now to run a new one, but definitely one day I want to hear again that sweet ka-ching sound.
• OnlyFans agency?
  You can laugh, but I see girls doing $100k/mo left and right and not even doing anything sexual. Those girls want to live easy life so they'd probably happily split 50/50 for just delivering new content (photos, videos) while agency does all the heavy lifting (chatting to guys, replies, promotion, upsells, copywriting etc.). Downside is that I never done that so probably off the list for now.
• own products/services?
  
  • ebook on crypto wallet security and sell on Gumroad
  • a specialized job board for only remote async jobs
• freelancing?
  
  • consultancy on software development and cryptocurrency
  • selling web (re)design services: just started looking at @Fox web school which is really well laid out and I love how much business approach is there and given my 8 years of software development experience it seems to make the most sense and lowest hanging fruit
  • offer fullstack software development services (I have one productized service that got customers so I have some track record)
  • get INSIDERS membership, doxx myself and offer services to the members here?
• building personal brand?
  I'm quite likeable and good looking (as in: taken care of, fit and girls do notice me) from what I know yet again wouldn't know what angle to take:
  
  • personal brand:
    
    • lifestyle? Not much to show for now (or as Gary Vee said: document everything)
    • as software dev? Lately I just found one that has 200k followers on instagram
    • as crypto trader/specialist? I didn't put trading as a separate list item because that's what I will always do and somehow the only thing I don't see ever leaving. I would love to be earning a living from trading alone, but so far bear market won with me.
  • professional brand:
    
    • which is usually good if you are hired gun which I don't want to be
• all at once? So a (one-man-band for start) software house that also offer consulting and crypto-related services while building a personal brand of software entrepreneur and trader at the same time?

It seems like I might have too much ideas, but to to be honest I have some trouble evaluating which one would be the best and most effective for me right now (or what mix would be the best). So at the end of the day I just sit on my a$$ and get anxious (idea paralyzed?) about doing anything...

The best and most effective step forward, especially from @NeoDialectic and my angle is the one that get you moving forward immediately. What won't you mind doing TODAY? All of the ideas you mentioned are great trajectories forward, but only evaluated from the perspective of your goals, risk and timeline.

Our mantra has always been 'make $3 before $5' - so all actions and decisions were strictly evaluated from that angle. What can be do NOW to get us closer to that goal. And then we grew and expanded from there.

We came up with several ideas, tested them through the years, and the successful ones went on to live for years before we had our exit.

Yes - you do need to be true to yourself, evaluate some of your strengths and weakness and move forward today.

Also - I recently heard this, but also think about the customer you would like to have. Is it someone you want to work one-on-one in person daily OR a distant stranger that orders your product through Amazon that you really have no contact with?

As an introvert, working with people one-on-one daily would wipe me the F out. Giving presentations all day would wipe me out. And on and on...

Long story short, pick a direction and go. @NeoDialectic and I always liked and still like the e-com model, not to say that many other paths wont work today as well.

...also because I look for quick cash infusion that I can make right NOW instead of in some months.

With the stability of a job, you should be able to slow down, plan some of your actions more thorough and not be under the gun to make reckless decisions moving forward.

So far I came to conclusion that the easiest way would be to just get this job, stack crypto until next bull run and then retire (least mental effort)

Have you not learned your lessons yet? You are looking to gamble once again with your hard earned money that will again land you in more trouble.

yet I know that less paid work (in the beginning), but done on my terms would be much more satisfactory and of course there would be no ceiling when it comes to how much I can earn and how fast and how many customers can I get.

You need to learn to take risk that stands the chance of assymetrically bringing you GREAT returns, not wipe you out. The $1000 product line we started in 2012 brought us MILLIONS in profit and revenue. The downside of our risk would be losing $1000. Thats a risk you wanna take and bet on.

Any tips highly appreciated! Maybe you will see something I missed

Yes there is much to work on your mindset in the meantime, have some patience, develop GRIT and PERSEVERANCE, get on solid financial ground and chip away daily towards a business.

@fastlane_dad I feel like you might be able to help a bit (if you're down that is). I'm 33 yo, btw.

Good luck, you are still young and have plenty of time to try, fail, f*uck up , get back up and do it all over again.

 

[jeandearme]

There's nothing wrong with wanting to make money NOW, as long as that doesn't mean looking for shortcuts. Mentioning OF and crypto makes me think you are looking for shortcuts and that may be at the root of your issues. If you look up the actual stats, OF isn't as lucrative to everyone as people think. Only a small percentage of the top OF pages are actually making any money. You are also making some big decisions that you may or may not be comfortable doing or may regret later. As far as crypto goes, you may as well just go to a casino and gamble.

This mindset of fast easy cash will poison your journey.

I admit, last two years in crypto f'd with my head. I put on the table $10k from my cc and made over $300k in unrealized profits in first 2 months thinking it will go up even more (which was already like 7x of my all debts in total so I could've paid debts right there with just a small part of those profits). Wasn't prepared for such 'success' enough to know when to leave the table.

MJ spends alot of time stressing that success is not an event but a process. I think this is something you may have to continue thinking about. Most businesses aren't just going to start making you money overnight with little work. It's a long process.

It just sounds like you need to just start. Take an idea and run with it. See where it goes. Learn new skills. Keep in mind that you want to get to market as fast as you can.

My history of business is a bit long (13 years already). In that time I:
- tried multiple MLM companies (again fast cash theme)
- I founded one of the first online language schools in my country (even got to meet the board of one of the biggest portals in Poland, but eventually they let it go)
- had some innovative ideas like craft beer finder (also first of its kind in my country, also almost got investor for it - lost due to another competitor with worse app, but much better connected with bars owners)
- automotive social media agency (to make better impression, I prepared personalized audits for each dealership I could find nearby and printed them all out in nice matte finish folders with their name on it. Almost got one customer, but also failed so I moved)
- had my e-com store with niche programming t-shirts that I exited and sold for a small profit (used print-on-demand supplier, can share the link to the store if something) - gosh, I miss that order notifications...
- lately I did doctempleapp.com, got some clients (around 30), but couldn't push it any further (too niche I guess)
- released some more small software stuff (two of them got 40+ upvoted on ProductHunt)
- and, of course, crypto that taught me a lot about risk management, macro markets, narratives, and most importantly, to never ever trust anybody (I used to have a habit to always give ppl a chance - turned out bad for me) so at least now I can offer consultancy services.

I know how to build a full product from zero to customer after all these years, but it's the money (customers?) that I always wanted to just be able to live my life as I want and I never seemed to get them. In the end, at least I got enough skills to apply now as a senior javascript developer, but I also know a bit of business skills.

I read your thread and initially thought you are 20 years old....SO let's start with a few questions

I honestly feel like I'm lagging behind life. I know it's a wrong mindset, but at my age I expected much more out of myself.

Did you get out of your debt yet? That's step #1.

I did not - even worse, I never been out of debt since last decade. I tried a lot to get rid of it while avoiding normal job. In the end it will be what will save me (lucky to have high income skill at least). Stopped paying installments couple months ago (it's all supervised by a lawyer so he tells me before shit actually will hit the fan) because food on the table has priority.

That's great, assuming you do actually live frugally, you should be able to crush your debt very FAST.

I live in a one room apartment and I sleep on a couch. I need freedom, not fancy luxuries (I still plan to get a Bugatti at some point, but first I need to retire my fam and then think about toys). Being ambitious can sometimes be a curse, right?

What are you getting hired to do?

Senior frontend developer (passed technical interview and now waiting for a team lead interview/meeting - until then I'm still up for grabs! Happy to share my LinkedIn in DMs).

I'm actually fullstack developer because most of the products I did I built from zero and they all needed backend with database and frontend interface, but frontend is my strongest for some reason.

ADDITIONALLY, what have you been doing for the last 14 + years (have you build up any skills? learned through failures? etc).

Skills I learned in that period:
- software development and product architecture (8 years of experience, senior level, can build basically anything at this point)
- business in general (met many VCs, investors, been around entrepreneurs)
- e-commerce (two stores, one made some money and then I exited and sold it, another one was a flop)
- communication and negotiations (mostly fails, but had some highlights where I almost got serious investors for my two already existing projects [not just mere ideas], also practicing it on dates)
- marketing (spent $30k in total on facebook ads while having my e-comm store and I made just a bit more than I spent, but not losing it was a success to me back then already)
- networking (mostly online, lately working on my online presence to get more leads for my services and/or job opportunities)
- macro market - before crypto I was clueless degen. Now, still degen, but at least I know how markets work, chart and narratives reading, political impact, understanding whitepapers and liquidity, blockchain analysis and why it's all a rigged scam. I mean those 2 years feel like I done it for ten. It was all very fast paced so going slowlane from crypto feels even slower.

At this point I'm basically jack of all trades and should be unstoppable since I have basically every skill there is needed for success, but here we are.

Point is - don't shy away from responsibility and commitment.

I think that's what drew me into trading so much. Lack of commitment and responsibility (except to myself) that in the end was actually what trading also required, just in different form.

Additionally - you absolutely cannot operate clearly under immense financial strain and pressure.

Your mindset is affected, and you will take actions that will typically only get you further in debt or making reckless mistakes and taking unnecessary risk (I assume that's what your crypto example above proved).

Last decade has proven those words to be true.

The best and most effective step forward, especially from @NeoDialectic and my angle is the one that get you moving forward immediately. What won't you mind doing TODAY? All of the ideas you mentioned are great trajectories forward, but only evaluated from the perspective of your goals, risk and timeline.

Our mantra has always been 'make $3 before $5' - so all actions and decisions were strictly evaluated from that angle. What can be do NOW to get us closer to that goal. And then we grew and expanded from there.

I was actually thinking of web design business because I can do it effectively and it seems to be easiest to sell (easier than selling full blown software development they don't understand). Seems like it's the lowest hanging fruit.

Yes - you do need to be true to yourself, evaluate some of your strengths and weakness and move forward today.

Also - I recently heard this, but also think about the customer you would like to have. Is it someone you want to work one-on-one in person daily OR a distant stranger that orders your product through Amazon that you really have no contact with?

As an introvert, working with people one-on-one daily would wipe me the F out. Giving presentations all day would wipe me out. And on and on...

Long story short, pick a direction and go. @NeoDialectic and I always liked and still like the e-com model, not to say that many other paths wont work today as well.

I find e-com model almost perfect for me - I like working on the business rather than in it and the idea that it's working while asleep. Same for SaaS (built one, with payments and all, earned a bit, but not that much).

Also, big on async work - so anything that requires a schedule or meetings is meh for me (mostly why I don't like day jobs, except companies that work totally async like Gumroad). I will re-read your linked thread on it!

Have you not learned your lessons yet? You are looking to gamble once again with your hard earned money that will again land you in more trouble.

That's my biggest flaw. I learn SLOW. I mean, in the last two years I had like 8 portfolio exit opportunities that could pay my debt fully in one shot and still be a nice chunk to work with and live off. It's like I'm getting arrogant when I see high numbers and instead of taking profits I watch it do a round trip to the bottom.

You need to learn to take risk that stands the chance of assymetrically bringing you GREAT returns, not wipe you out. The $1000 product line we started in 2012 brought us MILLIONS in profit and revenue. The downside of our risk would be losing $1000. Thats a risk you wanna take and bet on.

$1k to millions? My god...

Yes there is much to work on your mindset in the meantime, have some patience, develop GRIT and PERSEVERANCE, get on solid financial ground and chip away daily towards a business.

Good luck, you are still young and have plenty of time to try, fail, f*uck up , get back up and do it all over again.

I appreciate the time you spent on writing such elaborate answers and I bow to you and @NeoDialectic as well. Will certainly read it couple times more to let it sink in. Thank you, sir

 

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[NeoDialectic]

I admit, last two years in crypto f'd with my head. I put on the table $10k from my cc and made over $300k in unrealized profits in first 2 months thinking it will go up even more (which was already like 7x of my all debts in total so I could've paid debts right there with just a small part of those profits). Wasn't prepared for such 'success' enough to know when to leave the table.

Don't be too hard on yourself. That's the problem with gambling...The same mindset that would compel you to make crazy bets in the first place, will likely prevent you from taking the money out at the "right" time if by chance the bet pays off.

My history of business is a bit long (13 years already). In that time I:
- tried multiple MLM companies (again fast cash theme)
- I founded one of the first online language schools in my country (even got to meet the board of one of the biggest portals in Poland, but eventually they let it go)
- had some innovative ideas like craft beer finder (also first of its kind in my country, also almost got investor for it - lost due to another competitor with worse app, but much better connected with bars owners)
- automotive social media agency (to make better impression, I prepared personalized audits for each dealership I could find nearby and printed them all out in nice matte finish folders with their name on it. Almost got one customer, but also failed so I moved)
- had my e-com store with niche programming t-shirts that I exited and sold for a small profit (used print-on-demand supplier, can share the link to the store if something) - gosh, I miss that order notifications...
- lately I did doctempleapp.com, got some clients (around 30), but couldn't push it any further (too niche I guess)
- released some more small software stuff (two of them got 40+ upvoted on ProductHunt)
- and, of course, crypto that taught me a lot about risk management, macro markets, narratives, and most importantly, to never ever trust anybody (I used to have a habit to always give ppl a chance - turned out bad for me) so at least now I can offer consultancy services.

I know how to build a full product from zero to customer after all these years, but it's the money (customers?) that I always wanted to just be able to live my life as I want and I never seemed to get them. In the end, at least I got enough skills to apply now as a senior javascript developer, but I also know a bit of business skills.

You undersold your experience in the first post!

I honestly feel like I'm lagging behind life. I know it's a wrong mindset, but at my age I expected much more out of myself.

You are not. You have built up a lot of skills in your trade and you have given entrepreneurship a go multiple times already! That's admirable by any standards.

I did not - even worse, I never been out of debt since last decade. I tried a lot to get rid of it while avoiding normal job. In the end it will be what will save me (lucky to have high income skill at least). Stopped paying installments couple months ago (it's all supervised by a lawyer so he tells me before shit actually will hit the fan) because food on the table has priority.

I live in a one room apartment and I sleep on a couch. I need freedom, not fancy luxuries (I still plan to get a Bugatti at some point, but first I need to retire my fam and then think about toys). Being ambitious can sometimes be a curse, right?

Senior frontend developer (passed technical interview and now waiting for a team lead interview/meeting - until then I'm still up for grabs! Happy to share my LinkedIn in DMs).

I'm actually fullstack developer because most of the products I did I built from zero and they all needed backend with database and frontend interface, but frontend is my strongest for some reason.


Skills I learned in that period:
- software development and product architecture (8 years of experience, senior level, can build basically anything at this point)
- business in general (met many VCs, investors, been around entrepreneurs)
- e-commerce (two stores, one made some money and then I exited and sold it, another one was a flop)
- communication and negotiations (mostly fails, but had some highlights where I almost got serious investors for my two already existing projects [not just mere ideas], also practicing it on dates)
- marketing (spent $30k in total on facebook ads while having my e-comm store and I made just a bit more than I spent, but not losing it was a success to me back then already)
- networking (mostly online, lately working on my online presence to get more leads for my services and/or job opportunities)
- macro market - before crypto I was clueless degen. Now, still degen, but at least I know how markets work, chart and narratives reading, political impact, understanding whitepapers and liquidity, blockchain analysis and why it's all a rigged scam. I mean those 2 years feel like I done it for ten. It was all very fast paced so going slowlane from crypto feels even slower.

At this point I'm basically jack of all trades and should be unstoppable since I have basically every skill there is needed for success, but here we are.


I think that's what drew me into trading so much. Lack of commitment and responsibility (except to myself) that in the end was actually what trading also required, just in different form.

Last decade has proven those words to be true.

I was actually thinking of web design business because I can do it effectively and it seems to be easiest to sell (easier than selling full blown software development they don't understand). Seems like it's the lowest hanging fruit.

I find e-com model almost perfect for me - I like working on the business rather than in it and the idea that it's working while asleep. Same for SaaS (built one, with payments and all, earned a bit, but not that much).

Also, big on async work - so anything that requires a schedule or meetings is meh for me (mostly why I don't like day jobs, except companies that work totally async like Gumroad). I will re-read your linked thread on it!

That's my biggest flaw. I learn SLOW. I mean, in the last two years I had like 8 portfolio exit opportunities that could pay my debt fully in one shot and still be a nice chunk to work with and live off. It's like I'm getting arrogant when I see high numbers and instead of taking profits I watch it do a round trip to the bottom.

I don't think learning has anything to do with it. You are probably doing exactly what you crave. Chasing highs. I'm sure your logical brain was chiming in every time and you had the thoughts in the back of your head. But strong emotions are nearly impossible to overcome with reason and logic.

If you don't mind the repercussions of your trading, then you can keep doing it. But be aware you are doing it for entertainment and the losses are the costs. Don't treat it as if you did something good financially. Although I would be weary as it doesn't seem like you may be doing it responsibly and it may hijack your entrepreneurial efforts.

$1k to millions? My god...

On the one hand, it was minimal financial investment. On the other hand, it was a very long journey to get to millions....

I appreciate the time you spent on writing such elaborate answers and I bow to you and @NeoDialectic as well. Will certainly read it couple times more to let it sink in. Thank you, sir

The problem with giving advice based on a few written paragraphs is that you may misunderstand their situation. I think my initial advice missed that you have already started many ventures and they just haven't worked out. Good for you for putting rubber to the road.

My advice now is to just keep at it. Keep trying to find something that sticks. Take a look at the idea thread I linked in my previous post. Not for help generating ideas. It seems like you've got that down. Your focus should be on the market research and testing part. Notice how we try to pick ideas that are conducive to easy testing and then test it before making massive time or money investments.

As you have already found out the hard way, it may take a lot of tries and iterations to find something that the market actually wants. You would find what it is much faster if you didn't have to build out entire companies/apps/stacks before even seeing if it's something people want.

 

[fastlane_dad]

I admit, last two years in crypto f'd with my head. I put on the table $10k from my cc and made over $300k in unrealized profits in first 2 months thinking it will go up even more (which was already like 7x of my all debts in total so I could've paid debts right there with just a small part of those profits). Wasn't prepared for such 'success' enough to know when to leave the table.

That's the problem with gambling, or 'timing' the market (also gambling). You might win in the short term, but over long period of time the house always wants all of its money back, plus then some.

My history of business is a bit long (13 years already). In that time I:
- tried multiple MLM companies (again fast cash theme)
- I founded one of the first online language schools in my country (even got to meet the board of one of the biggest portals in Poland, but eventually they let it go)
- had some innovative ideas like craft beer finder (also first of its kind in my country, also almost got investor for it - lost due to another competitor with worse app, but much better connected with bars owners)
- automotive social media agency (to make better impression, I prepared personalized audits for each dealership I could find nearby and printed them all out in nice matte finish folders with their name on it. Almost got one customer, but also failed so I moved)
- had my e-com store with niche programming t-shirts that I exited and sold for a small profit (used print-on-demand supplier, can share the link to the store if something) - gosh, I miss that order notifications...
- lately I did doctempleapp.com, got some clients (around 30), but couldn't push it any further (too niche I guess)
- released some more small software stuff (two of them got 40+ upvoted on ProductHunt)
- and, of course, crypto that taught me a lot about risk management, macro markets, narratives, and most importantly, to never ever trust anybody (I used to have a habit to always give ppl a chance - turned out bad for me) so at least now I can offer consultancy services.

You definitely have no shortage of ideas, or at bats which is great.

I know how to build a full product from zero to customer after all these years, but it's the money (customers?) that I always wanted to just be able to live my life as I want and I never seemed to get them.

Perhaps by not seeing some of these ideas through ...

In the end, at least I got enough skills to apply now as a senior javascript developer, but I also know a bit of business skills.

Definitely seems like you got into the pool quite a few times.

I honestly feel like I'm lagging behind life. I know it's a wrong mindset, but at my age I expected much more out of myself.

You are still VERY young. Have definitely much more experience then others in the business world (and swings at bat). You also have a marketable skill (developer) - that can bring in a paycheck, get you out of bat and start setting you up for life in the meantime.

I did not - even worse, I never been out of debt since last decade. I tried a lot to get rid of it while avoiding normal job. In the end it will be what will save me (lucky to have high income skill at least). Stopped paying installments couple months ago (it's all supervised by a lawyer so he tells me before shit actually will hit the fan) because food on the table has priority.

Get your immediate financial house in order first and foremost. Yes, you can bootstrap your Fastlane business on the side, but tackling and crushing your debt is absolutely paramount to give you mental leeway and freedom to move on.

As your lifestyle is frugal, the debt comes from financial mistakes or bad investments?

I live in a one room apartment and I sleep on a couch. I need freedom, not fancy luxuries (I still plan to get a Bugatti at some point, but first I need to retire my fam and then think about toys). Being ambitious can sometimes be a curse, right?

Yes, but so can be covered in bad debt. Take however years you need to get out of that, without looking for 'fast tricks'.

Senior frontend developer (passed technical interview and now waiting for a team lead interview/meeting - until then I'm still up for grabs! Happy to share my LinkedIn in DMs).

I'm actually fullstack developer because most of the products I did I built from zero and they all needed backend with database and frontend interface, but frontend is my strongest for some reason.


Skills I learned in that period:
- software development and product architecture (8 years of experience, senior level, can build basically anything at this point)
- business in general (met many VCs, investors, been around entrepreneurs)
- e-commerce (two stores, one made some money and then I exited and sold it, another one was a flop)
- communication and negotiations (mostly fails, but had some highlights where I almost got serious investors for my two already existing projects [not just mere ideas], also practicing it on dates)
- marketing (spent $30k in total on facebook ads while having my e-comm store and I made just a bit more than I spent, but not losing it was a success to me back then already)
- networking (mostly online, lately working on my online presence to get more leads for my services and/or job opportunities)
- macro market - before crypto I was clueless degen. Now, still degen, but at least I know how markets work, chart and narratives reading, political impact, understanding whitepapers and liquidity, blockchain analysis and why it's all a rigged scam. I mean those 2 years feel like I done it for ten. It was all very fast paced so going slowlane from crypto feels even slower.

Gambling highs and lows come quick. Be careful with being overly confident in 'knowing how markets work'. It is many times proven that even with showing you top headlines over the next decade you won't be able to correctly predict which way things end up. The best attitude to take on here is that we 'dont know 'nothin.'

At this point I'm basically jack of all trades and should be unstoppable since I have basically every skill there is needed for success, but here we are.

Narrowing down focus, and taking your time. It took us 15+ years of grind (15!) before exiting our amazon business. There is no fast shortcuts, even when things are going well. You must learn to love your everyday and your process. You can't rush success either.

I think that's what drew me into trading so much. Lack of commitment and responsibility (except to myself) that in the end was actually what trading also required, just in different form.

Last decade has proven those words to be true.

I was actually thinking of web design business because I can do it effectively and it seems to be easiest to sell (easier than selling full blown software development they don't understand). Seems like it's the lowest hanging fruit.

Many of references here regarding setting that up. Can definitely be a step forward for you - but also quite tied to your time.

I find e-com model almost perfect for me - I like working on the business rather than in it and the idea that it's working while asleep. Same for SaaS (built one, with payments and all, earned a bit, but not that much).

Both solid business models. We don't know much about being SaaS but it works wonders for many, especially for those with programming understanding and knowledge.

Also, big on async work - so anything that requires a schedule or meetings is meh for me (mostly why I don't like day jobs, except companies that work totally async like Gumroad). I will re-read your linked thread on it!

That's my biggest flaw. I learn SLOW. I mean, in the last two years I had like 8 portfolio exit opportunities that could pay my debt fully in one shot and still be a nice chunk to work with and live off. It's like I'm getting arrogant when I see high numbers and instead of taking profits I watch it do a round trip to the bottom.

$1k to millions? My god...

I appreciate the time you spent on writing such elaborate answers and I bow to you and @NeoDialectic as well. Will certainly read it couple times more to let it sink in. Thank you, sir

You seem to be getting on solid footing now, so don't lose sight of that, or try to take too many shortcuts. You have to give a bit more though on which route you would like to go and commit, chipping away daily. As I read on your attempts, it didn't scream 'failure' to me - just looked like you backed off at a time when many of those could of been turned around towards a success story 5 years later.

You are looking for a quick solution and a bit exit after 6 months of work, which will almost never, never happen.

Hope you progress well and will be excited to hear on your progress down the road.

 

[jeandearme]

As your lifestyle is frugal, the debt comes from financial mistakes or bad investments?

I was living off of credit card so I could focus on (trying to make) money anywhere but normal day job. I didn't travel much nor I was eating out, I was just buying time with borrowed money. That's how much I was trying to avoid working for someone.

Many of references here regarding setting that up. Can definitely be a step forward for you - but also quite tied to your time.

True. If I get this job (and I just got information about meeting with team lead so I think it's like I'm almost in) then I will probably just straight up focus on async-type opportunities like e-commerce since I can work ON it when I can (after work) instead of IN it. Gotta start studying linked threads about it.

I also know that January is the most dead month volume-wise so good time to start preparing.

Hope you progress well and will be excited to hear on your progress down the road.

Thank you! I really appreciate that. All those replies are much more that I hoped for - didn't expect much response and for sure not to such extent!

 

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