The Journal
Building my way towards something more independent
A record of every project I launched, the results I got, and the lessons I learned.
Right now
Current focus
- Growing a historical documentary YouTube channel
- Growing a YouTube channel about independent work and lifestyle design
- Talking with developers exploring similar questions
- Selling my Brighton flat
Current income sources
- YouTube advertising revenue
- Book sales
- 1:1 conversations
- Rental income
Questions I'm exploring
- Can I build something sustainable without returning to employment?
- What level of income is enough?
- Which of my projects deserve more of my time?
Last updated: June 2026
Journal entries
Seven projects. Five years. A long process of figuring things out.
2025
The coaching program that drained me
My first coaching offer became my highest-earning project so far, but also forced me to question what kind of work actually suits me.
2024
The launch that taught me about audience fit
I launched a SaaS starter kit inspired by another creator's success and learned how much the right audience really matters.
2024
The SaaS that solved the wrong problem
I built a product I genuinely enjoyed creating, but realized too late that excitement and demand aren't the same thing.
2024
The project that faded after launch
A successful pre-order gave me confidence to build the product, but also revealed how difficult it is to sustain attention over time.
2022
The 'easy' project that kept selling
I repackaged an existing course into an ebook and started questioning my assumption that valuable work always has to feel difficult.
2021
The project that made online income feel real
I turned a niche developer topic into my first online course and realized that making something independently was actually possible.
2026
The project that was too niche
Coming summer 2026