From Side Project to Full-Time
The roadmap for transitioning from building on the side to doing this full-time. What it takes and how to get there.
The Journey
Most successful builders don't quit their jobs on day one. They build on the side, grow sustainably, and transition when the math makes sense. Here's what that path looks like.
Stage 1: Nights & Weekends
$0-500/moShip your first version. Get initial users.
Milestone: First paying users or token launch
Stage 2: Growing Traction
$500-2,000/moConsistent shipping. Growing community.
Milestone: Revenue covers some expenses
Stage 3: Meaningful Revenue
$2,000-5,000/moScaling what works. Building systems.
Milestone: Revenue could cover basic living
Stage 4: Full-Time Ready
$5,000+/moMake the leap. Go full-time.
Milestone: Sustainable with 6+ months runway
The Math That Matters
Before going full-time, you need honest answers to these questions:
- • What are your monthly expenses? (Be realistic)
- • How much runway do you have saved? (6+ months recommended)
- • Is your revenue growing or volatile?
- • Can you reduce expenses if needed?
- • Do you have a fallback plan?
Trading Fees as Runway
Token trading fees can accelerate your path to full-time:
$10K/day
volume
$30/day
$50K/day
volume
$150/day
$100K/day
volume
$300/day