Is self publishing the right choice for me? Details inside

Hi,

I am an aspiring writer with one edited novel and one novella under his belt, who's starting to look into publishing options (reaching out to publishers, literary agencies, self publishing). I've been doing some research on all three possibilities and, damn, it surely is a daunting world!

After sending the manuscript to a bunch of publishers, I've started looking more into the self publishing path, and I have to say, it isn't as bad as I thought. This being said, I'm still sort of confused about it being the right way, so I'd like some help in figuring out if it is a good choice for me.

• As of now, I have a soul-sucking corporate job which I make a living off. Dream would be to quit, but I do not expect to ever make a living out of writing. My writing schedule is basically a 6 A.M. alarm, breakfast, write till 8/8:45 (depending if I can smartwork), clock in at work.

• The main purpose of publishing for me would be to have my book in my own hands and have a way to share it with people. If I just break even or take not too big of a loss I'll be fine, as long as I can build even a small niche of readers over time. Italy (my country) is also apparently fiscally sadistic towards micro-enterprenours, so I expext to never be able to make a living off of this.

• I write (wannabe literary) fantastic fiction targeted to adults, which usually I am overlty perfectionist about. If I start self publishing, I am considering starting a parallel YA series that can be grinded faster.

• I am willing to invest a small monthly amount (say 100/200/300€) in this, you can consider it the financial loss I am willing to take.

• Finally, I hear that people who start with self publishing often end up staying in self publishing. If I do take this route, I wouldn't want to exclude ever trying again to send my stuff to a publisher (especially after hopefully building up a group of readers). How do you see that?

I'd love to hear your take and advice on my situation, possibly also on the practical steps you took/you would take if you were in my shoes. Thank you ever so much for your time :)