Live data from Hacker News

Ask YC: "Can a 40 year old, married with 3 children, start a start-up?"

news.ycombinator.com

1–10 of 77 posts

Ask YC: "Can a 40 year old, married with 3 children, start a start-up?"

#1
I have been just watching this site for a few months now. I even bought 'Hackers and Painters', even after reading most of the essays online!

I would like to know what people think of the following two points: 1) Is it best to be young as you tend to have fewer commitments etc? 2) Having little or no money, or being frugal is good. Keeps you focused!

I fail on the first point, but I am a winner on the second!

What do you think? Should I go for it anyway?

Re: Ask YC: "Can a 40 year old, married with 3 children, start a start-up?"

#3
Yes, of course you can.

Sure, being younger allows for more time, but I'd imagine being that age has given you some maturity in handling finances, emotions, etc. I'm sure you'll have to make some sacrifices seeing that you have many commitments and responsibilities, but if it's something you truly want to do, go for it.

At the very least, you'll enjoy the ride, and when things get tough, you'll have your wife and children to find happiness in. And if you're successful, great. Either way, it'll be a journey that I'm sure you wouldn't want to regret never taking down the line.

Re: Ask YC: "Can a 40 year old, married with 3 children, start a start-up?"

#5
post #2

Age, marital status, and personal situation have much less to do with it than you may think. Removing the word "fail" from you vocabulary have much more to do with it than you think. Go for it!

Are you suggesting that the 'fear of failure' is a major reason why people don't make the leap?

I have to say, I think you are correct.

Fear of failure is HUGE.

Imagine if I had a fear of failure.... what could be the outcome?

1) Leave current job (it pays the bills etc.) 2) Start new venture 3) Fail! (I have deliberately shortcut the possible reasons - so bear with me!) 4) No money comes in.... 5) Can't pay bills..... 6) Lose home etc etc

I believe the people who study this type of thought process would call it the Domesday scenario!

I guess success would be called the 'Google scenario'!?

I can't remove the word fail from my vocabulary - just try and make succeed more likely - how?

Re: Ask YC: "Can a 40 year old, married with 3 children, start a start-up?"

#7
post #4

I respond with a simple question: Are you alive? I am not trying to be rude, overly simple, or anything else that may be viewed as a negative response. I am simply trying to clear away all of the clutter.

Yes - I believe I am!

Could you expand/clarify a little?

Re: Ask YC: "Can a 40 year old, married with 3 children, start a start-up?"

#8
post #6

I hope so. I'm in the same boat (plus a couple years) and have my sights set on doing a startup as well. That said, I wish I had pursued this 20 years ago when I had more time, energy, and freedom -- but I guess I wasn't ready then.

I appreciate the response.

Can I ask what you are doing about it?

Re: Ask YC: "Can a 40 year old, married with 3 children, start a start-up?"

#9
post #7
post #4

I respond with a simple question: Are you alive? I am not trying to be rude, overly simple, or anything else that may be viewed as a negative response. I am simply trying to clear away all of the clutter.

Yes - I believe I am! Could you expand/clarify a little?

If you are alive, then you have the ability to sit down and pursue this. Failure versus success is a completely different argument.

EDIT: What I am trying to get is across is this--the only thing that would be stopping you is you. Who cares if you are beyond are a certain age?

Re: Ask YC: "Can a 40 year old, married with 3 children, start a start-up?"

#10
You can ask yourself this, "Do you regret more the things you have wanted to do and have not done or regret more the things you have done and wished you didn't?"

If you want more motivation, look on the web for older people who started businesses.

Post reply on HN