PG mentions that not having a backup is probably a good strategy (desperate to succeed), but I'm interested in hearing what range of backups are being considered.<p>There is always "everything else," but I'd be interested to know if folks will just try again, go to university, or join a BDC, etc.
I wouldn't have started tarsnap if Google hadn't offered me a job; that gave me the confidence that if tarsnap didn't work I would be able to get a well-paying job in silicon valley.
Keep your old boss happy (i.e. dont just quit to start a startup).<p>If mine goes down the pan I still have my old job (within reason) to go back to (in point of fact I am still working there almost full time, but the points stands :D).