I am in similar situation.
I don’t want to pile up extra work but if you want to chat up sometime on how things are, I am happy to chat. I’ve been looking for people in similar situation so it doesn’t feel like a crazy dream
Ask HN: How to balance a full time job, family and founding a startup?
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Re: Ask HN: How to balance a full time job, family and founding a startup?
#12When I was a kid, my dad started a business. He was very good at it, and the business was very successful. He was constantly working though. He would bring work home, it would cover the kitchen table. When he wasn’t working, he was absolutely exhausted. If he wasn’t working, he was sleeping. He was not only working for the business, but also running the business.
The amount of time that I spent with my dad dwindled to very little. Not to mention my siblings. I wish he’d spent more time with me. (It’s worth noting that he had other issues that contributed to our relationship).
I would treat your startup in this context as another newborn, but one from a different partner. It will require a substantial amount of time, money, and attention like your current newborn needs, but is under a different roof. Your co-parent of your newborn can’t necessarily also parent your other “newborn”, so you need another partner to step in.
Stepping away from the analogy for a moment, I (respectfully) doubt that your startup will be as important as your family. And as most any parent will tell you, the time with your baby will fly by and you will not believe how fast it goes. Prioritize your family over your work.
Re: Ask HN: How to balance a full time job, family and founding a startup?
#13I am in similar situation. I don’t want to pile up extra work but if you want to chat up sometime on how things are, I am happy to chat. I’ve been looking for people in similar situation so it doesn’t feel like a crazy dream
Hey maddynator, it'd be great to chat, thanks for offering! What's the best way to contact you?
Re: Ask HN: How to balance a full time job, family and founding a startup?
#14[deleted]
Re: Ask HN: How to balance a full time job, family and founding a startup?
#15When I was a kid, my dad started a business. He was very good at it, and the business was very successful. He was constantly working though. He would bring work home, it would cover the kitchen table. When he wasn’t working, he was absolutely exhausted. If he wasn’t working, he was sleeping. He was not only working for the business, but also running the business. The amount of time that I spent with my dad dwindled t…
Really insightful reply, thanks for taking the time.
It's good to be reminded that there only 24 hours in a day
Re: Ask HN: How to balance a full time job, family and founding a startup?
#16Realistically, the only one of the three people actually regret if they fail at is being a father - so I would honestly make sure you don't make excuses to sacrifice time on this. Not saying you cant do the rest. Failing faster will be better than any productivity tips - it will reduce the period where your splitting between day-job & startup. As if the latter is successful you'll need to ditch the former pretty quic…
Very true. Completely agree.
Re: Ask HN: How to balance a full time job, family and founding a startup?
#17hello, idk, this might not be the most "popular" opinion ... especially here on HN, but imho. keep the stable job and start to appreciate your family - especially your newborn child. time flies, and you never get back the time you are missing out with your growing child - ever!! and this is much more rewarding than getting some stupid startup off the ground - and be serious to yourself: statistically you won't have a…
But this time it'll be different.. (nervous laugh )
Re: Ask HN: How to balance a full time job, family and founding a startup?
#18Know that it is possible to do it, lots of people do, and it doesn't require you to be superhuman!
Thank you :)
Re: Ask HN: How to balance a full time job, family and founding a startup?
#19Know that it is possible to do it, lots of people do, and it doesn't require you to be superhuman!
Thank you :)
You're welcome!
No two situations are the same, and mine is not quite the same as yours, but I certainly wonder at times how I made ends meet etc!
Being reflective and considering these things up front rather than just reacting after the evnt, as you are, does help too.
Re: Ask HN: How to balance a full time job, family and founding a startup?
#20Here’s some suggestions from my recent experience: - hire night nurse a few times a week to catch up on sleep - hire nanny for day time - SNOO Bassinet was a game changer with the baby sleeping 10+ hours - wake up at 4:30am every day and work on startup BEFORE your day job. No one is awake to bother you. Pure focus.
Sleeping 10+ hours!!! That's am achievement, well done