Yep, the figure is going to vary person to person. For example, I'm married and my wife brings in an income and will be able to provide health insurance once I

Yep, the figure is going to vary person to person. For example, I'm married and my wife brings in an income and will be able to provide health insurance once I jump ship, so that number is lower for me than it would be for someone without that additional income. My point though is that for every person there is a monthly mostly-passive income which, if achieved, would let them live a similar lifestyle as being part of a multimillion dollar acquisition. And it's a hell of a lot easier to reach. Do you think it's easier for you to make $5K/month passively or make $5M from a acquisition? $10K? $20K? Edited to add: Why not invest more time into your newsletter so that you can leave your job? If you truly invest 10 minutes per month and believe that there's still room for growth, why not spend more time getting it to the point where it does cover your health insurance and 401K? Or if there's minimal room for growth why not try to replicate it? Or does the money not even matter: do you want to stay with your day job because it gives you purpose and socialization? Your situation is fascinating and I'd love to hear more about how you got to where you are.