I Quit My Job To Become An Indie
I finally did it! Earlier this week, I quit my well paid full time job as a software engineer. I’ve been thinking about this for quite a while, and decided it’s the only way to go. The goal is to become an independent games producer, and an online entrepreneur in general!
It’s not official yet, and I’ll probably have to stay at my current job until the first week of october. After that, I’m on my own. Complete freedom to go my own way, build my own business, design and create my own games, make my own mistakes and maybe fall flat on my own face 
But I believe it’s worth it!
I expect it will be a great journey, whether I succeed or fail miserably. I want to learn a lot, and have lots of fun! Fortunately, I have saved some money, so I can survive the first year, even if I don’t make a cent. I want to be in this for the long run. So my goal is to create intellectual property, and set up some websites and systems which I can leverage for years to come.
My biggest inspiration is Steve Pavlina, who’s article “10 Reasons You Should Never Get a Job” pushed me over the edge and gave me the courage to actually do it! And of course all the successful and less successful indie game developers, who can be found on the IndieGamer forums, are also a great inspiration.
In the coming weeks, I’ll be developing and refining my initial business plans and my ideas in general. And of course keep you in the loop on this blog!
So this is the very beginning… My girlfriend is freaking out, but she’s supportive. Some call me crazy, others are encouraging. But I strongly feel this is the way to go for me. And it seems the universe agrees, since I just sold my second Text Link Ad to Cell Phone Covers! 
So wish me luck!
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August 30th, 2006 at 11:11 pm
Congratulations, Jochen!
September 3rd, 2006 at 11:31 am
Thanks Steve!
September 7th, 2006 at 8:39 pm
[…] This is my third sponsor already, and it brings my Text Link Ads revenue for september to more than $33! So this seems to be a better than expected extra revenue source, which will come in very handy when I will be a full time indie, in a month! […]
September 13th, 2006 at 3:07 am
Wow good luck!!! Not having a steady stream of income can become tough but I do understand that usually these type of jobs get in the way of your true dreams!
September 13th, 2006 at 9:10 am
Thanks David!
It is indeed hard to combine with my current job. Both time/energy-wise as contract-wise.
September 30th, 2006 at 11:40 pm
[…] I’ve been incredibly busy with my job. I had to finish an important project, before I leave after next week. Yes yes, only 1 week to go! Last week I was in Paris (Versailles to be exact) to integrate my last project with the client’s system. It was hard work, coding every day and then some more in the evenings at my hotel room. But at the end the client seemed happy, so I left with a good feeling! […]
December 9th, 2006 at 2:45 am
[…] The last few days I’ve been cleaning up my home office. It was also used as storage room for stuff we can’t place anywhere else. But since I will be working here full time starting next month, I think it’s important to have a clean and comfortable workspace. I’ll be spending quite a lot of time in here after all! […]
December 12th, 2006 at 5:32 am
Good luck!! I hope you are an inspiration to others to do the same.