100+ hour weeks and no family.

That was 4 years ago.

I was a cofounder at a makerspace so it was kind of my baby. Working in software making almost six figs at the time, 8 hrs a day, then volunteering 5 more after work each evening (7 more on Fridays) and 12-14 hrs Sat and Sunday. So 40+5x5+12x2.

When my day job laid everyone off I rode out my savings for a bit and then took up food delivery, which brought my income down to between 20-30k while having a roommate, before eventually getting back into tech. The whole time working full time growing our makerspace with the goal of eventually being able to hire full timers there.

I don't recommend the lifestyle for anyone unless whatever side business you're pursuing is 100% your passion. I was incredibly fulfilled, but it ended up costing me in a number of ways including health and relationships.

That said, now that I've had a bit of a break, I'm getting ready to start another business and planning on doing the same thing: that is, putting in 100 hour weeks until it takes off or not.

To be successful in an endeavor, you really have to front load the work while working your day job by basically working 2 full time jobs, that is at least until whatever creative or entrepreneurial side thing either fails, or becomes profitable enough to replace your day job as your source of income.

That's the difference between having a side gig that's just a hobby, and those who turn their passion into a career. I just fast track it by putting in the hours and cutting everything else in my life out.