This question isn't really aimed at people who can afford to live in cardboard boxes while working on the Next Big Thing. Some of us need a relatively high baseline level of stability while we pursue chaotic business opportunities.
A full-time startup job and a decent stable job are somewhat conflicting. But the easiest thing I can think of to try to solve this conflict is to move to an area with really good job opportunities. This is what prevents me from taking up the good suggestion of doing consulting - I don't live in an area where this happens or know people that do.
Probably the best for stability is to join an existing startup and negotiate with a preference for salary over equity.
If it comes down to you considering some minimum-wage job, like these guys are suggesting, and you still want to do your own thing then I'd say you're better off trying to find a quick investment from an angel.
I really think that there is nothing more important in a startup than the employees (your) time.
I think if you need high baseline of stability while you work on your own stuff, spend some time finding a good long-term consulting gig and then be disciplined about it. If you can get away with working 2/4 weeks, then the other 2 are for your startup. Some clients may want you to report daily, in this case, I would suggest that you work half as long as a normal work day to fulfill their reporting desires. Its a bit more annoying but once you build trust, I'm sure they wouldn't have a problem.
