That is something I have been thinking about (going freelance) but the few times I've tried, the projects are just sooo crappy and messy that I just don't see myself doing that.

I have not been able to figure out how to handle cleints that want to have technical input (i.e. no, the way you are asking me to build your online store will not work and will just leave me on the hook when it fails), so I always shy away from that kind of work.

Definitely considering it though. I guess I just need to figure out where to learn how to handle clients.

Thanks!

It varies so much from client to client. Bigger projects tend to go better than with penny-pinching SMBs, but occasionally small clients are really fun to work with.

Better yet is not to have direct customers and sell a product, but that's much harder to get right I think.

I would love to consider this, just have the golden handcuffs situation and have no idea how I'd even come close to current salary (average for FAANG, minus equity). Do you feel like you make as much as you did FT?

I made more in less time. Freelancing earns you a risk premium, since no one is taking a cut.

Now I live from a website I run. I'd do it regardless of income because of the lifestyle it permits.

Yeah, I think I'm mostly convinced that the lifestyle is what I want, but I'm not totally sure. The lifestyle that a FAANG salary affords is not so bad either.