I know this decision may not be popular around here, but I think the quality of advice that I'll get is good, so I'm going to ask for it. I'm a very talented programmer, started coding in 5th grade, and worked at top research teams at Facebook + Google immediately out of college. However, a combination of bad projects + not so great management made take the plunge to pursue my dream - startups. After around 3 years of trying different ideas (went through maybe 5+ different co-founding teams, applied to YC in the past, etc.) + last year finally getting traction on a project, I'm starting to feel not so happy with my current route. I've done consulting in between here or there to pay the bills, but now my savings is literally starting to reach empty and I just hit 27 years old with no girlfriend/dating life. I have some friends that somehow are just able to keep pushing through and not giving up, but I feel like that's not me at this moment. Any suggestions/thoughts?
Ask HN: I'm considering taking a break from startups to join big tech
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Re: Ask HN: I'm considering taking a break from startups to join big tech
#2I have no advice, but I want to wish good luck with the change if you decide to make it [1].
I'm not sure if this is so unpopular here. Hey! I work in a free public university, that is probably the most different place than a startup (at least form size and the income sources point of view).
Just in case it's useful, this is an old post by patio11 when he transitioned from working in consulting+startup to working in Stripe "I’m Joining Stripe to Work on Atlas" https://www.kalzumeus.com/2016/09/09/im-joining-stripe-to-wo... (HN discussion https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=12464647 850 points | on Sept 9, 2016 | 330 comments)
[1] Edit: And good luck if you decide to not make the change, too.
Re: Ask HN: I'm considering taking a break from startups to join big tech
#3It's worthwhile to have some degree of financial stability. It lets you weather other problems with some equanimity. Do it. You'll have time later.
Fwiw though, the only times I ever considered this was when I was upset at my life at a startup. I'm now happy at another startup. So this is a little of do as I say not as I do. But there's no harm in 2 years of big tech. It might blunt your edge a bit but burnout will do that worse.
Re: Ask HN: I'm considering taking a break from startups to join big tech
#4great idea. take some time and let work be your source of income and not your entire life. you won't get a do-over of your 20s. whatever you decide to pursue, inquire thoroughly about work/life balance. you can always go back to the startup grind later.
Re: Ask HN: I'm considering taking a break from startups to join big tech
#5I'd say go for it. Work is work... There's good and bad parts about any job. Yes I do have to spend much more time on non engineering stuff, but on the flip side I enjoy working on things that millions of people use every day which is cool. The pay, stability, and growth opportunities are all great.
Re: Ask HN: I'm considering taking a break from startups to join big tech
#6Whatever you do don't burn yourself out. Make sure you're doing what makes you happy, and not what you feel like you "have" to do for one reason or another
Re: Ask HN: I'm considering taking a break from startups to join big tech
#7I'm the opposite right now. I had a startup then joined FAANG. Spent the last 8yr in product at Google + Coinbase, and now I have the startup itch more than ever before. Maybe the grass is always greener.
What is it about your current route that is leaving you unhappy?
Re: Ask HN: I'm considering taking a break from startups to join big tech
#8Do it. Startups aren’t doing much interesting these days, the big guys absolutely are.
Re: Ask HN: I'm considering taking a break from startups to join big tech
#9Sound decision, many startups have at best 20 months of runway (or should) and will find it challenging (as in not able to raise anymore money) if the rate rises continue in to 2023 (very strong possibility)
Re: Ask HN: I'm considering taking a break from startups to join big tech
#10If you really truly want to look at it through a startup lens, there is a LOT you can learn in big tech, you will improve your skills, grow as a person, be able to have a personal life (except if you go with Amazon) and get paid a shitload of money to do it. It is an incredibly sweet deal.