We're way too caught up with labels: "I'm a founder."
We're way too caught up with labels:
"I'm a founder."
"I'm a solopreneur."
"I'm a bootstrapper."
"I'm building VC-backed startups."
"I'm not bootstrapping, I'm self-funding."
"I'm a product person" "I'm a maker" "I'm a creator"
What's underneath that? What's this work for?
When we get consumed by "which label best fits us," we lose sight of our underlying purpose.
What's really driving us? What are we trying to accomplish? Why?Is our ultimate goal in life really to make software, have a big exit, be a bootstrapper, etc...?
If we're not careful, we could easily miss our deeper "raison d'être."
One of the big advantages to labels is that they allow you to more easily find and connect with like-minded people. That's hard to do without some sort of consistent language or moniker. But some of the big disadvantages are that labels come with all sorts of extra baggage that you may not really agree with or identify with, and also identifying with a label can put you in a bubble that blinds you to good ideas from outside your bubble.
Bootstrapping is a good example. I understand the desire to build something without outside funds as well as anyone else, but being 100% religiously opposed to fundraising isn't a healthy position to take, either. Better to just be aware of the ups and downs of each approach and make an informed decision based on what you want and where you are.
I feel like this is so relevant even outside the indie world. Everyone always wants to label you, a hipster, nerd, bro, techie..what if you have traits from each? Democrat/Republican..what if you like certain ideas from both parties? I think in today's environment things are less black and white and their should be more freedom to create your own label. I wouldn't classify myself as an indie hacker, I'm a sales guy, but I love hanging out on this forum, connecting with people that I admire and have similar ideas too, like this one! :)