No more turning back, no more doubts, I'm launching my own company:
slimCODE Software!
Boy, what a feeling. I'm mixed with overwhelming energy and excitement, and unexplainable fear. My guess is that this fear is only related to my financial status. Though I had a great time at
Xceed, I left without regrets, with the feeling of having delivered the goods. Starting my own business, in a domain other than software development tools, was my next logical step, but was it the next practical step? Do I have a good enough cushion to make it through the first year? Expenses in a one-man software company aren't huge. I already have my working computer, with the necessary software (VS.NET 2005, SQL Server 2005, Office 2003). I have furniture; the chair is comfortable enough to keep it a few more months. The only expenses so far are:
- Incorporation [300$]
- New Dell 2007WFP 20" wide screen monitor [490$]
(can't work without one anymore) - Internet connection [29$/month]
(my home ADSL connection, which I was already paying for anyway) - Web hosting [28$/month]
(I had three free months, though)
And I'll probably buy a
Community Server license in a few months (this product is simply awesome). All these aren't an issue. The real issue is my family (house, food, daily wine, etc). I can see why it's much easier starting a business when you'll still single and live four friends in a small apartment. You're the only one restraining yourself to Kraft Dinners and hot-dogs. Now, not only do I have a wife and kid depending on me, we're used to a certain level of commodities; two cars, big house, the four food groups (including wine), etc. My wife, who is currently working part-time and likes her job, has offered to look for a full-time job, but I don't want my son and her to pay for my decision to go in business.
Obviously, I'll be looking for contracts in the area, to earn some spare change, but the more I depend on contracts, the less I can put energy in slimCODE. And it's not like I can spend 80 hours a week working like I did in my first jobs. On the other hand, I'm fortunate to have a father who not only wants to invest money in the adventure, but is willing to advance my heritage.
So, success is my goal, and though I'll have to be careful with money, I feel I have all the tools necessary to put forth my software ideas, which I'm eager to share with you as soon as possible.
'Till then, have fun coding!