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Why you shouldn't start a startup

laurentk.posterous.com

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Re: Why you shouldn't start a startup

#4

Post by lolizbak »

ivanbernat wrote: post #3
lolizbak wrote: post #2

Slides from a presentation I gave last week at HEC - would love some feedback if I reuse. Thanks!

Just wondering, did you have any dev experience prior to taking on Rails? Great presentation, wish there was a video version too.

I started from scratch a month ago, and I'm a biz guy by training. I'm not saying it's easy but accessible to put up an mvp. You should try http://fastfwdme.com, my second app !

Re: Why you shouldn't start a startup

#5

Post by wccrawford »

I think the 'peanuts' slide is an especially good point. Many people here seem to think that a startup is a fast-track to success, but it's not fast at all. It's a lot of work and sacrifice for years.

Don't get me wrong... That time has some valuable lessons that will help you constantly for the rest of your life. But it's not easy. If you go into it with your eyes open, you shouldn't regret it.

Re: Why you shouldn't start a startup

#6

Post by lolizbak »

wccrawford wrote: post #5

I think the 'peanuts' slide is an especially good point. Many people here seem to think that a startup is a fast-track to success, but it's not fast at all. It's a lot of work and sacrifice for years. Don't get me wrong... That time has some valuable lessons that will help you constantly for the rest of your life. But it's not easy. If you go into it with your eyes open, you shouldn't regret it.

Totally on board. I quit a well paid job in New York two years ago, and didn't earn a dime since. But I would make that decision again in a heartbeat :)

Re: Why you shouldn't start a startup

#7

Post by localhost3000 »

wccrawford wrote: post #5

I think the 'peanuts' slide is an especially good point. Many people here seem to think that a startup is a fast-track to success, but it's not fast at all. It's a lot of work and sacrifice for years. Don't get me wrong... That time has some valuable lessons that will help you constantly for the rest of your life. But it's not easy. If you go into it with your eyes open, you shouldn't regret it.

toughest part is dealing with sig. other who'd really like to have a nice meal every once in awhile and wonders aloud when she learns of your friends/peers who make six figures in "real jobs"... "Maybe you should go to law school?" cringe

Re: Why you shouldn't start a startup

#8

Post by lolizbak »

localhost3000 wrote: post #7
wccrawford wrote: post #5

I think the 'peanuts' slide is an especially good point. Many people here seem to think that a startup is a fast-track to success, but it's not fast at all. It's a lot of work and sacrifice for years. Don't get me wrong... That time has some valuable lessons that will help you constantly for the rest of your life. But it's not easy. If you go into it with your eyes open, you shouldn't regret it.

toughest part is dealing with sig. other who'd really like to have a nice meal every once in awhile and wonders aloud when she learns of your friends/peers who make six figures in "real jobs"... "Maybe you should go to law school?" cringe

been lucky, didn't hear it much!

my girlfriend has been very supportive. the only thing she asked, is that we still continue to travel/backpack, at least once a year - which I of course "granted" her (while she's granting me with the rent .... :)

Re: Why you shouldn't start a startup

#10

Post by patrickod »

This rings true with the TEDx video posted last week about what skateboarding can teach us about learning methods. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lHfo17ikSpY&feature=playe... We learn from mistakes, so failure is to be as embraced as success. The startup community should be just the same. Take the lessons you learn and try again and again.
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