A different path to ramen profitability

Approach #1 is a lot less pressure, but you have less time.

I also take approach #2 with 2y of saving.

#2 might be good idea. It is very hard to find enough energy & time for your project when you are working fulltime elsewhere.

This way you also put pressure on yourself - you know you need to make your project alive as soon as possible.

I started my project alongside my other business and it turned into nightmare. Still priritizing the old project never leaves enough space for the new one. I can do that, because I am not under pressure of losing my savings.

If you're sitting on a validated idea, give it a shot. You can always find another job if you experience unfavorable outcomes.

A healthy mix of both is good. I was working on side projects while working, but they weren't generating much income. Once I had 6 months of runway I quit my job and worked full time on my own projects (and never had to go back to work).

I definitely do #2.

But I think it ultimately depends on the circumstance, I’m single, don’t have any children/dependents (dogs😕) and I can earn a lot of money as a consultant.

So, for me I can just do a small 3/6 month project and it turns over good cash to be able to take time off and build.

#1 is probably the only option for people. I imagine it’s a lot harder to save money when you have partners/kids etc.,

Go for it. You can always find another job.

I tried both and would never consider going with #2 again. My current mindset is that the best way to go about it is #1 until you regularly generate at least close to your monthly fixed income; then switch to #2.

Another option would be to save enough for a couple of years AND get a side project generating enough revenue to cover your monthly expenses.

That way you have your idea validated, you have your living expenses paid by your side hustle, and you have a couple of years saved up just in case.

Then you only have to worry about growing your product, not getting it off the ground (which is the hardest part).

I think this way would be much safer and allow you to be more creative and productive since you won't be worried about your savings account dwindling down every day. A clear mind is a productive mind.

That's cool but in my experience it is easier to work when you work. If I don't have full-time job I become too lazy

I've seen both approaches work. What's best depends on the individual and their personal circumstances.

For example, I've grown Ramen Club slowly since the end of 2019 while freelancing, and reduced my working days progressively. It was suitable for me because I wasn't in a position to save enough to quit my job at the time - plus the overall workload was manageable.

However, if the workload was unmanageable, and I could have saved enough, I may well have taken the approach you suggested. I imagine I could've progressed faster in doing so!

" Alternate between employment and unemployment"
Do you mean as a freelancer?

I think it largely depends on the person!

I guess I'm doing a little bit of both. Saving for a modest lifestyle (personally, I'm more comfortable with 4 years runway) and working part time on my project.

Alternating between employment and unemployment sounds like it can be a little demotivating though. Imagine working on your dream, then pausing and doing something that's not your dream, then restarting. I would suggest giving yourself some super clear benchmarks so that your dream still feels reachable.