In his current position you would advise towards starting over with different business idea from scratch. One that would generate money from day one and need zero money to start.

Yeah.. I'd say take the funding.

Or Consulting/Freelancing. It's very much possible.

I did some freelancing. A two-week job paid my November bills. It was a good emergency revenue, but it is a palliative solution. It is hard to find such jobs, it is unpredictable and also distracting.

I still prefer the angel investment.

That is what I am doing currently to support my start-up. One steady client that pays well and is willing to work with a somewhat flexible commitment from me at about 10 to 20 hour per week. And with careful spending that will pay bills for my family.