Is it crazy to quit a 6+ figure salaried job to do a startup right now?

The only possible answer one could give without much more information is "it depends". Any response other than that is mere exposition of the responder's natural bias.

I would definitely consider outsourcing. You have to be prepared to spend some time finding the right people, giving test projects, etc. But if you do it right, you can find amazing people for very good rates. I've done it for my own projects and it worked out really well.

If I could go back and make one change over the last 10 years, it would be to have stayed where I was and outsourced more. Once, for example, I was sure that I had enough for a couple years with staff. I went through it much faster than I thought. Remember that it will not go at all like you're imagining, no matter how good your business plan is, and that no company ever went under with money in the bank.

I believe in what Peter Thiel said:

He's even more bullish on the Valley. "We have this leverage finance bubble like we had in the '20s, and there's an argument that we're headed to something comparable to the '30s," he says. "Where was the best place to be in the '30s? Probably Los Angeles. It was the hub of new media and technology, with the radio and the airplane. Silicon Valley is the L.A. of the 1930s.

Of course it is crazy. So what? I did it 7 months ago. Leaved what had become a 350 people company to start a new project. Back to square one. Not a single regret.

I for one like the timing: First, most blue chips are now completely focused on their core business. Perfect times to try to quietly take the lead on wide open niche or emerging markets. Moreover, lots of smart people are leaving their employers (voluntarily or otherwise) or are just tired of seeing their company going down the drain. Perfect times to hire bright people for cheap.

That's why I don't think your timing is wrong at all. That is, if your project does not require massive initial funding, because I do have some doubts about funding in the current environment. I usually don't bother to see VCs before breaking even and being able to show 7 figures in sales or revenue. Just arriving around there on the current project, so this month should be the start of the VC pitching circus. We shall see...

All in all, there is no absolutely good or bad timing: it may be the layoff business or the cost-cutting industry right now, but there is always some growth sector worth exploring. It is always the right time to start something whose time has come.

Go for it. Work hard. Have fun. ...and let us know how it turns out. :)

I don't think that's what he's saying. I interpreted it as "If your startup turns out to be a success, then it was a brilliant move. If it doesn't, it was a crazy move"