When I started blogging, I wrote a post about my
bootstrapping efforts. At that time I was just about to start a new contract with my old company. That was a very successful contract (for both parties involved) that just wrapped up. Now I find myself deciding what I want to do now.
Since neither of my efforts has launched into orbit yet, I still need some side work to pay the bills (and a few perks as well.) I had lunch with a former boss to talk about some work possibilities. There are two things to take away from that statement 1) Never burn your bridges, you never know when you might want to go back, 2) Maintain and grow your network. Don't lose contacts and constantly be on the look out to expand your network.
During the conversation, I said that I'm not interested in full time work. His questions is how is it possible that I don't need full time work? Here is my secret. I don't have a lot of vices, expensive hobbies or lots of new things. I'm driving a crappy old car (waiting to get a used Toyota Tacoma.) Its not a requirement to replace the car yet. I don't smoke or visit really makes you focus on what you need vs. what you want.
I still will spend several hundred dollars at our Costco shopping trips ( I can't wait until both kids are out of diapers!) We don't skimp on food. There are a ton of things we could buy to fill up our house. When I was at the in. Now that I have a somewhat steady income, we are making a few purchases, but I can't say that we missed out on anything in the mean time.
I think bootstrapping your business is a lot like living below your means. Its a simple concept that a lot of people have trouble with. If you can do that in your personal life, you can do that with your business.
I have another week to decide between a few different contract offers. I aware that this is a great position to be in and I've got a post about selling yourself that will go into more details about why I am able to be in this position. Stay tuned.
