What's your magic number?

How much money do you need to have to feel like you’ve “made it”? What’s your magic number?

I’ve always thought something like $8,334 MRR was it. But looks like it needs revision, as Damen pointed out:

Many indie hackers aim for $8,334 MRR as their goal, just like I did. But once you hit that milestone, aim higher. I know we strive to have the best work-life balance, but $8,334 MRR won’t get you far. It’s just a paycheck and you’ll still have to work tirelessly day and night. In case you you decide to sell your business, you’ll have to start over to reach $8,334 MRR again, which becomes a rabbit hole! Instead, sprint toward $83,334 MRR as fast as you can, then relax on the beach and dream what’s next or continue scaling your rocket ship. – @damengchen

I used to think $8334 MRR is a lot. That’s $100k a year! But now that Damen mentioned it… it’s definitely paycheck level indeed if I worked elsewhere elsewhere… or lower! In fact, it’s probably only just slightly over break even level on family expenses for me! 🤯 Hell I’m nowhere close to $8,334 MRR in terms of total revenue even! And it still feels like a whole lot even after getting Damen’s point.

But he’s right, you know.

I can’t seriously be satisfied with $8k a month. Not with a toddler son, a wife and 2 elderly parents, plus a house mortgage, and my son’s future education. All on me. It’s not a duty I take lightly.

So it looks like I’m aiming too low. Maybe trying for $83,334 MRR—$1M per year—is a better target? I have no idea how to get there, or if it’s realistic to aim to get there. If I still feel like $8,334 is a lot now, then $83,334 feels like near impossible.

But one thing I know for sure… I can’t stay at past levels.