Get some contracting work then don't stop interviewing and use it as a stepping stone. Problem solved. However, first principle question, why is an employment

Get some contracting work then don't stop interviewing and use it as a stepping stone. Problem solved. However, first principle question, why is an employment gap "bad"? Realistically, you are at a disadvantage if you are unemployed so you will take a below market rate, and the skills you applied to your adventure are at least slightly above average. You are basically gold from a SMB or mid-stage startup perspective. Do you think you have sinned against some convention? If you think it makes you seem unreliable, unreliable to what? To forego opportunity, or believe your wage is your place? You haven't challenged the gods, you took risks to build a product and have learned more first hand about that than most people whose job is to manage someone elses. Imagining these barriers is just inventing reasons not to do it because you don't want to. Just take a 3-6mo programming or QA contract somewhere and improve your bargaining position so you aren't desperate.