In my own humble way, I've found that a minimally sustainable way is to find small companies that are making good money but their technical needs are not vast b

In my own humble way, I've found that a minimally sustainable way is to find small companies that are making good money but their technical needs are not vast but want flexible and reliable custom implementation. If you can find a few of these companies and can furnish them with all their technical wants you are likely to be able negotiate small retainers quickly in order to be available on demand. These companies have ideas they work on and want to try out and you will be there to execute it. You become a natural and trusted partner in this relationship, provided you do give them the degree of commitment the retainer demands. With the retainers, you are given bare financial security. With security, you are free to try ideas of your own and that could be the best part.