How long until you became "ramen profitable"?
tom_rath: Eleven months from empty text editor to 'ramen profitability'.  Only one product was developed but about four others were considered before I focused on a clearly defined market filled with customers who were willing to pay for software.The position I started from was zero debt and about two years of comfortable living expenses saved.  That turned out to be essential.Contract work was offered and was very tempting to accept, but I knew if I took it I'd find it difficult to focus on product development -- so I passed it up.  Once you have a steady income (whether from a salaried job or from contracts), it's very difficult to go back to working for zero dollars per hour and an unproven idea you think might work one day.