I particularly like this article from Tony Wright for tips on becoming an entrepreneur while still keeping your day job.
“The number one thing not to do is other things. If you find yourself saying a sentence that ends with “but we’re going to keep working on the startup,” you are in big trouble. Bob’s going to grad school, but we’re going to keep working on the startup. We’re moving back to Minnesota, but we’re going to keep working on the startup. We’re taking on some consulting projects, but we’re going to keep working on the startup. You may as well just translate these to “we’re giving up on the startup, but we’re not willing to admit that to ourselves,” because that’s what it means most of the time. A startup is so hard that working on it can’t be preceded by “but.””
1. You need a co-founder and some cheerleaders
2. Pick a day or two per week where you ALWAYS work
3. Have a boat-burning target
4. Pick an idea that is tractable
5. Understand that your v1 ia probably going to suck.
6. If you’re going to screw off at work (everyone does), spend it getting smarter about the stuff you don’t know.
7. Be sure you own your startup.
Read his full post here :Half assed startup- how to start your company and keep your day job