If you get traction and press attention particularly, then doors and options open up to you. Also if you have a chance to speak at a conference you get a lot of

If you get traction and press attention particularly, then doors and options open up to you. Also if you have a chance to speak at a conference you get a lot of respect, often from people who didn't know who you were previously. However, getting traction and press attention are the hardest bits. Also, how much of your own money do you lose before quitting? That said, even if you fail, if you had a job before, the chances are you could at least do the same thing again after.