$102k -> $19

Title: From a $102K Job to $19 in SaaS

Background:
After four years at Lockheed Martin, I left my $102K/year software engineering job in December 2022. Lockheed gave me a solid foundation, but at 25 I craved a new challenge.

The Journey:

Argentina (Dec 4, 2022 - Mar 1, 2023): Post-Lockheed, I travelled to Bariloche, Argentina. There, I spent three months developing an MVP for a crypto trading marketplace, only to realize it lacked viability. Yet, Argentina's charm ensured I'd return.
Pivoting Ideas (Mar 1 - Jun 24): I had a friend in SLP grad school tip me off to a tool she would like to have. After calling around to many professionals in the field I struggled to validate it, but it lead me to a different product. A stuttering analysis tool. So I began the process of validation meanwhile I got distracted building a podcast automated note taking web app (Podcast University). By May I was fully stuck into FluencyMetrics.
Commercial Fishing Interlude (Jun 24 - Jul 19): Took a brief hiatus for commercial fishing in Alaska, a throwback to my college funding days.
Fluency Metrics MVP (Jul 20 - Nov 16): Launched Fluency Metrics on October 2. Made my first sale on Nov 12 for $96, which, after a pricing adjustment for future customers, netted $19.50.
Reevaluation (Nov 16 - ???): After many conversations with professionals in the stuttering community, it become very apparent I had created a tool around a process which is almost deemed harmful at this point. I can speak to greater lengths on this but its not the topic of this post. DM me or comment, I’d love to chat!

Learnings:

Customer Conversations: Halting customer discussions while developing Fluency Metrics was a mistake. Continuous engagement could have revealed the app's faults sooner.
Discovered Fallacy: I revealed to myself that I was subconsciously staying away from certain questions and conversations if I thought is would lead to a contrary conclusion. This doesn't help or bring value to anyone!
Move Quicker: Staying disciplined with the mvp road map is challenging. I’ve now implemented time in the week for such dilly dallying so when I want to go down a rabbit hole I say to myself, I can do that on ${dayOfTheWeek} at ${x} time.
Influencer Inspiration: While initially motivating, following 'influencer bros' regarding any internet lead business eventually dented my self-confidence.
Value of a Mastermind Group: Despite no group member having a successful product yet, their insights have been invaluable for brainstorming and technical guidance.

Next Steps: Choices Ahead

Building on the Whop Ecosystem: Potential for revenue and skill enhancement. Using the step 1 method from Rob Walling's stair step approach
Venturing Beyond Tech: Perhaps rebrand bland like 'Protein Applesauce'?
Career Pivot: Exploring a new skill set entirely.
Open to Suggestions: What else should I consider?

All thoughts welcomed! X @micalinscheid