I went from a science undergrad (with some coding for simulations of experiments) to SWE at a startup where everyone knew each other. It was a very convivial and trusting atmosphere. Eventually I made charts for board meetings, and dug into the financial data. I was so surprised! So much churn, so few customers, so few sales, so much support and work per customer, all at a 3yo startup. I knew the last round of funding money was drying up, and I thought, man, this thing is gunna end. But money came through, many rounds more. At every time I talked with the cofounders and anyone like investors or board members at the company, wow, optimism.
My lesson was that I was too skeptical from the natural sciences. Businesses are about people, and people can be convinced, some immediately, some over time, or since there are a lot of people and a lot of money in the world, you might find more receptive people and money later. So it is about putting on the face and convincing whoever with confidence (if that is what you’re into).
So cheer up dude, you made it his far, you can keep going. I moved away from my company to my own hustle, but man, that company is a boomin. I won’t say if it’s profitable, but it’s a great place to work, everyone is happy, somehow investors still seem super happy, more people are being hired, and there is some customer testimony that is very positive.
I think there is a difference between a startup and a business, made possible by the swell of VCs, and this means you can chase your dream longer, as long as you find the right investors.