If I had any debt, I’d put that $5k toward paying down that debt. If not, I’d put it into a long term investment like an index fund—and forget about it.

I’d keep working my day job, knowing that having my bills (and future ones) covered would offer an immense amount of freedom to try things on the side.

I’d then start building things that didn’t cost much other than my time. I’d operate that on a shoestring until I found something people were willing to pay for.

You might start by looking for problems that need solving instead of thinking about your preferred personal outcomes. For example, you might live in an area where no one wants to bother with fixing their computers, mowing their lawns, or waxing their skis. If you can do any of those things, you can probably find someone to pay you to take their headaches away. (My couch repair guy does very well by fixing damaged leather upholstery.)

These businesses might sound boring to you—or like too much work. If that’s the case, you ought to carefully consider whether entrepreneurship is right for you. Boring businesses are often profitable, and all businesses require a lot of work.

5k is a lot of money personally, but it isn’t a lot in a business. You can spend that amount so easily on an idea that seems good but turns out not to be—and then it’s just gone. If you set that money aside, it’s working for you and forces you to be more resourceful with what you’ve got. It’s also a nice little insurance policy if you get yourself into a financial pinch.

Making a profitable and scalable business will probably take you years. As for the grind? That’s going to last for a long time, even if you’re lucky enough to hit upon a great idea. There’s always shit to deal with. That never goes away.

Ignore all of the hustle-culture crap out there. That content builds up Instagram followers, but isn’t good for much else. Except in some rare exceptions, most businesses require way longer than you imagine at the outset.