Programmers are in a distinctly privileged position with respect to freeing up time, if that is a priority for you. For us there are only two prerequisites: 1)

Programmers are in a distinctly privileged position with respect to freeing up time, if that is a priority for you. For us there are only two prerequisites: 1) Be good at what you do. 2) Keep your expenses well below your means. With these two things, there are many ways to arrange your life to have enough time to pursue your passions. You can freelance or contract 20-30 hours a week, or work for a year or two in a regular job and then quit and take months off, or you can take Mr Money Mustache's approach and bust your ass to save up enough to retire within 10 years.