In the past 10 years I was able to support my side-projects (see profile) and family life (we have 2 years old) by not having a day job, but instead carefully choosing freelance projects. Here's how it works:
Freelancing allows me the flexibility to dedicate pockets of time to side-projects that require a push. I simply don't book myself of 3-4 weeks if I know I need the time for a side project. This allows these side-projects to organically flourish rather than wither in the long term. If and when any of these projects become a source of income, I can easily turn my attention to it without having to change my lifestyle.
Regardless of their monetary success (some of my projects are not meant to be products at all), I've noticed that they act as magnets towards the kind of freelancing jobs I'd like to take. This creates a positive feedback loop, as the freelancing gigs often help me push forward at least one of the side projects (code wise or knowledge of the domain).
Overal, the trick is to keep your projects (paid or not) within your core curiosity-zone. If you're just starting out, the mission is to get closer to this zone with every new freelance gig. The end result is that enjoy both the side projets and my freelancing gigs. The line between them blurs more and more every-day.
Freelancing allows me the flexibility to dedicate pockets of time to side-projects that require a push. I simply don't book myself of 3-4 weeks if I know I need the time for a side project. This allows these side-projects to organically flourish rather than wither in the long term. If and when any of these projects become a source of income, I can easily turn my attention to it without having to change my lifestyle.
Regardless of their monetary success (some of my projects are not meant to be products at all), I've noticed that they act as magnets towards the kind of freelancing jobs I'd like to take. This creates a positive feedback loop, as the freelancing gigs often help me push forward at least one of the side projects (code wise or knowledge of the domain).
Overal, the trick is to keep your projects (paid or not) within your core curiosity-zone. If you're just starting out, the mission is to get closer to this zone with every new freelance gig. The end result is that enjoy both the side projets and my freelancing gigs. The line between them blurs more and more every-day.