Ask HN: What's the best way to become an independent software developer?

I quite like software as a job but I think I'm going to end up working for myself, one way or another. I can work on a team but I prefer working alone; I also like having control over the direction of a project and being able to iterate as fast as I need to. This has led me to software consulting/contracting or just creating a "software studio." I'd love if someone who has done something similar to share their thoughts on this. Thanks!