Open Source Careers

Hello,

My basic question is how does one make a livable career with open source? I hear alot of people talk about providing support, but I don't know exactly what that means or entails - I don't want to work in or operate a 24/7 call center. I have also heard stories of people making a good living working from their home office doing programming.

Another way to put this question is: Can I have a livable career as a C/C++ programmer for Linux/UNIX open source software?

I am still a university student, so I am interested to know how I can make it out there. If I could, I would love to be able to work primarily in programming in a home office, either in my own company (I would love that!!) or by telecommuting to a company. I am really not interested in relocating and I don't like to think of long commutes to an office in the city. Nor does the prospect of frequent travel appeal to me - I just want to stay put where I am. Is this type of career possible or is it just a pipe dream? What areas can someone like me make a decent go at?

Advice please.

I sure a career in programming is possible however, limiting yourself to C/C++ programmer for Linux/UNIX open source software would be hard considering technology changes rapidly and you would be required to keep learning (especially to make a living).

I don't think it is a pipe dream and with any home business you get what you put into it. I think working for someone else is a definite must before venturing on your own.

Yes you can but think more along the lines of consulting or giving support to products. You'll have to compete with a massive amount of people though.

PS, why open source? Not everything that runs on Linux/Unix is open source you know?