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I Almost Let My Failed Startup Destroy Me

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Re: I Almost Let My Failed Startup Destroy Me

#51

Post by ruidelgado »

tegeek wrote: post #35
thenomad wrote: post #28

There's one takeaway - no pun intended - that leaps out from this. Learn. To. Cook. I run a small, scrappy company that's been in startup mode multiple times over the last 20 years. Being a good cook might well be the most valuable skill I've used over those years. It lets you drop to very low personal expenditure very easily - far lower than you could manage on all but the junkiest of ready food - whilst still eatin…

It also helps your brain to release stress & depress. Over the years I've discovered that cooking is the most enjoyable hobby that saved me going into constant stress & depress.

Thanks! I really hope I get to that level. I don't enjoy it so far, but I will do it until I do.

Re: I Almost Let My Failed Startup Destroy Me

#52

Post by ruidelgado »

frownie wrote: post #41
tegeek wrote: post #35

Earlier quoted context omitted.

It also helps your brain to release stress & depress. Over the years I've discovered that cooking is the most enjoyable hobby that saved me going into constant stress & depress.

Amen. As a "hacker", I think a lot, all of the time. So I cook to think about something else. Washing the dishes without dishwasher is also a moment where I let my mind wander. Definitely not some time lost (to be honest I don't enjoy washing the dishes as much as cooking, of course, but I feel that connecting my brain on something "easy" is rahter good for me, else I'd jump on my computer right after eating...) stf

I've never thought of it like that. That comment helps, thanks.

Re: I Almost Let My Failed Startup Destroy Me

#53

Post by borski »

thenomad wrote: post #28

There's one takeaway - no pun intended - that leaps out from this. Learn. To. Cook. I run a small, scrappy company that's been in startup mode multiple times over the last 20 years. Being a good cook might well be the most valuable skill I've used over those years. It lets you drop to very low personal expenditure very easily - far lower than you could manage on all but the junkiest of ready food - whilst still eatin…

You may enjoy a Pantelligent: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/hevans/pantelligent-int...

Re: I Almost Let My Failed Startup Destroy Me

#54

Post by ruidelgado »

dspillett wrote: post #16

This isn't just for startups. People end up burning themselves out as contractors or even in salaried positions in well established companies, in much the same ways. You think it will work out in the end, but usually it really really doesn't. "Eyes on the prize" is actually the right attitude, but the prizes should be your sanity, health, and friends & family. Unless you are doing something truly earth shattering lik…

well said, my friend. I didn't have a good balance, and I honestly think it affected my work as well.

I wish you the best of luck leaving your job and chasing something it'll make you happier. Thanks for your input!

Re: I Almost Let My Failed Startup Destroy Me

#55

Post by ruidelgado »

iqonik wrote: post #3

I am addicted to Coca-Cola and need the caffeine to stop the headaches, my diet consists of quick easy takeout so I have enough time to work in the evenings and spend time with my 3 month old daughter. I am currently working on a side project that I hope will prove itself worthy of "giving it a shot". Now I'm thinking I need to get my health right before I even consider that...for want of a better saying, it's defini…

Honestly, I had that same thought when I started, and it never stopped. I'm glad you're reconsidering it, especially because you need to eat better. Trust me, it'll even make you more productive.

Re: I Almost Let My Failed Startup Destroy Me

#56

Post by ruidelgado »

mindcrime wrote: post #2

Yeah, this hits a little close to home. My own (mis)adventure is pretty well documented[1], so I won't bore anybody with details, except to say: I'm living proof, and very nearly dead proof, of important parts of what Rui says. It's so easy to let your health go by the wayside, pushing yourself harder and harder, and thinking "I'll lose the weight next month" and then "next month" is "in six months" and then it's "ne…

Wow man, I'm going to read your story now, thanks for sharing! How are you doing now?

Re: I Almost Let My Failed Startup Destroy Me

#57

Post by wanderingstan »

ncarroll wrote: post #43
mseebach wrote: post #36

Earlier quoted context omitted.

> Thinking about it, would a "How To Cook For Hackers" video / ebook / webseries be of use or interest to HN? What's the hacker angle on cooking? In my experience, cooking is much more of a craft than an intellectual exercise, which doesn't make it very 'hackable'. Personally, I'd recommend start with something like these [1][2] - good, fast, cheap, nutritious food has been focus for many others than hackers, for qui…

I always thought the hackable angle on cooking is patterns. A whole lot of stuff that you might cook for everyday eating is, in fact, a pattern and once you know that, you can riff off whatever is in your fridge. Take soup, for instance. You need a certain amount of liquid, veggies and meat are optional in their type and amounts and you need to apply the correct methods and tools. I've had a domain and plans to write…

I second this. For years I thought recipes were secret inalterable incantations. Once I realized that there were basic patterns (soup, casserole, curry, etc) I found joy in "hacking" food. It then became a challenge to use the contents of my fridge in the tastiest way.

Re: I Almost Let My Failed Startup Destroy Me

#58

Post by patatino »

Two thoughts about exercise which keep me motivated:

- exercise is therapy for my body and mind => clears your head after work, better sleep, helps with anxiety/panic attacks. That's the reason why I simply HAVE to exercise, it's almost free therapy for me.

- exercise is a good willpower training => more willpower in everything in your life

Re: I Almost Let My Failed Startup Destroy Me

#59

Post by aw3c2 »

borski wrote: post #53
thenomad wrote: post #28

There's one takeaway - no pun intended - that leaps out from this. Learn. To. Cook. I run a small, scrappy company that's been in startup mode multiple times over the last 20 years. Being a good cook might well be the most valuable skill I've used over those years. It lets you drop to very low personal expenditure very easily - far lower than you could manage on all but the junkiest of ready food - whilst still eatin…

You may enjoy a Pantelligent: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/hevans/pantelligent-int...

Prominently displaying the quote by pg while the whole thing is YC backed felt dishonest to me.

Re: I Almost Let My Failed Startup Destroy Me

#60

Post by TarpitCarnivore »

ncarroll wrote: post #43
mseebach wrote: post #36

Earlier quoted context omitted.

> Thinking about it, would a "How To Cook For Hackers" video / ebook / webseries be of use or interest to HN? What's the hacker angle on cooking? In my experience, cooking is much more of a craft than an intellectual exercise, which doesn't make it very 'hackable'. Personally, I'd recommend start with something like these [1][2] - good, fast, cheap, nutritious food has been focus for many others than hackers, for qui…

I always thought the hackable angle on cooking is patterns. A whole lot of stuff that you might cook for everyday eating is, in fact, a pattern and once you know that, you can riff off whatever is in your fridge. Take soup, for instance. You need a certain amount of liquid, veggies and meat are optional in their type and amounts and you need to apply the correct methods and tools. I've had a domain and plans to write…

> I always thought the hackable angle on cooking is patterns. A whole lot of stuff that you might cook for everyday eating is, in fact, a pattern and once you know that, you can riff off whatever is in your fridge.

This isn't "hacking" (loathe this word when used this way) cooking, you've just learned the basic ratios of recipes.

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