Can I Maintain Confidence Without a Stable Income?

Buddy, this question is so real; I bet every IT professional who wants to start something of their own has asked themselves this. I can't claim to have a standard answer, but I can share my thoughts.

Honestly, it's impossible for it to have no impact at all. After all, a sense of security often comes from the numbers in your bank account. But confidence isn't entirely the same as security.

My experience is that when your income is unstable, your source of confidence needs a new "anchor." Previously, your confidence anchor was "the company pays me monthly," but now it needs to shift to these things:

1. Your Craft and Work. You're an IT engineer, and that's your biggest advantage. Code doesn't lie. Today you fixed a tricky bug, tomorrow you optimized an algorithm, or you built a prototype for a small feature... these tangible advancements are the foundation of your confidence. Focus your attention on "what I created today" rather than "how much I spent today." Your skills are your true "iron rice bowl" (a secure livelihood).

2. Controllable "Small Goals." The word "entrepreneurship" is too big; just thinking about it causes anxiety. Break it down. Don't think "how much money do I need to make next month," but rather "this week I need to complete the user login module," or "today I need to contact 3 potential seed users." Check off each one you complete. This continuous positive feedback is the best fuel for confidence.

3. The Confidence of Extreme Survival. Instability doesn't mean loss of control. Do the math: how long can your current funds last at your minimum living expenses? This "time" is your runway. For example, if you can last 8 months, then for those 8 months, you can tell yourself: "It's okay, I still have time, the sky isn't falling." With a solid foundation in your mind, your actions won't be panicked. Lowering living costs isn't about suffering; it's about buying more time for free exploration.

4. Find "Kindred Spirits," Don't Bear It Alone. Don't isolate yourself. Talk more with other friends who are entrepreneurs or freelancers. You'll find that everyone is experiencing the same unease and anxiety. Venting to each other, sharing what you're working on, or even just having a meal together can greatly relieve stress. Knowing you're not fighting alone can spontaneously boost your confidence.

5. Focus on "Value," Not "Price." Is anyone using what you've built? Even if it's just one user who tells you, "This feature is great," the confidence derived from this validation of value can sometimes be more fulfilling than earning a few hundred bucks. During periods without stable income, positive user feedback and recognition from the tech community are important sources of your confidence.

In summary, it's about shifting the source of your confidence from external, uncontrollable "income" to internal, controllable "growth" and "progress."

This path is definitely not easy, and confidence will fluctuate like a roller coaster. When you feel like you can't hold on, look back at what you've already created, even if it's just a few lines of code or a single page – you built it with your own hands. Then, get a good night's sleep, and keep coding tomorrow.