2. Keep the $15,000 while doing other work that will yield the remaining money over a long period.
Would love to see your input or a better suggestion apart from the ones I pointed out above.
N/B
This is the typical situation a friend finds himself and we are just brainstorming in what best to do.
And once I make enough money I will start my dream job, but a dream business or job, does not mean you are going to be successful so, so don't only make $20k to start a dream job, try to save a little more like maybe $25k. Or more. But I think it is hard for you to save $5k only then it would be too late to make another $5k on your desired savings.
Try not to spend all of your money on a dream business, because they can flop too. All you need is analysis and hard work then leave everything to luck. But please do not do the last thing first (means leave everything on luck), try to do analysis and hard work first then leave everything on Luck (gosh I am repeating and also saying that It would be hard to make $5k for you, like it is not for me hehe.)
I would love to invest rather than save, but DCAing for me is more than just saving. It's an investment plan.