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Ask HN: I don't want to be a founder anymore

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Re: Ask HN: I don't want to be a founder anymore

#201

Post by kilroy123 »

cheez wrote: post #185
dfuhriman wrote: post #31

The problem you are experiencing is a result of the lack of systems and processes in your business. You need to make an important hire- you are missing a systematic. See, creatives like you are awesome at solving problems but hate to have structure and order because it doesn't allow you 100% freedom. But, as a result, you just have 100% creativity/problem solving- which is draining. The worst thing is, you can't even…

This, exactly. I recently hired an assistant and the way that my mind was freed up was insane.

I really don't understand why it's not more common practice to have an assistant.

Re: Ask HN: I don't want to be a founder anymore

#203

Post by gallerdude »

sanderjd wrote: post #154
gallerdude wrote: post #145

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Can confirm - right now I personally work as a "Party Associate" at Party City - not very stress free. Customers can be very specific with what they want. Running a startup sounds like a dream - I'd much rather have your job, even if I still had to keep my $9.75/hour. (Anyone looking for a college sophomore eagle scout in the MN area for the summer?) (gallerdude@gmail.com)

This is interesting. What part of running a startup sounds like a dream?

Being able to make choices, determine the best path of action, and (if you work hard enough) make something great.

Right now the best things I make are balloons (but I do have some fun side-projects).

Re: Ask HN: I don't want to be a founder anymore

#204

Post by pwh »

I can't say that I know your pain, but I can sort of feel your pain. Simply because I've been there done that. Taking advice from HN, no matter how well meaning, may or may not help, it may even frustrate you more. Best thing to do is to step back. Find a way to clear your head. A long hike worked for me. Even washing dishes. You may have your own thing that works for you. Do that. Talk it out with someone you trust or who is willing to listen. You can talk with your wife later when you have your bearing back. Heck if you are in bay area and need a sounding board, you can ping me. Keep in mind though, the best answer probably will eventually come only from yourself.

Re: Ask HN: I don't want to be a founder anymore

#205

Post by timwaagh »

two - five years isn't much if you're going to be rich. unhappiness is part of life. and when you get rich enough, just quit. because you will be able to.

if you're not going to be rich in any case then the answer is simple: you should quit. let it die. i know there is emotional investment, but there is no reason to continue to be unhappy. get another job you like better. assuming you need to get another job:

construction is not stress free. its not normal work, its labour. its risky. people develop physical problems. but yes i understand the appeal. diy'ing is fun. construction could be fun as well if you have the talent for it.

retail pays enough for kids, not adults with a house. so although it could be chill that is not really an option.

finally i recommend having some people around you to distract you from your worries. roommates. a loving wife. whatever you can get.

Re: Ask HN: I don't want to be a founder anymore

#206

Post by lemonsqueeze »

Do not talk it over with your wife. It won't go well. And if it does.... she will see you as weak and eventually leave you (80% of marriages are terminated by the woman)

You are the captain and you can rely on the people for support like your family and close friends.

You tell her what you decided, and act like it's no big deal to you and she won't think it's a big deal either.

If she does act like it's a big deal, then you know what she was after all along.

Best of luck.

Re: Ask HN: I don't want to be a founder anymore

#207

Post by powera »

What you need to do is go to the company acquiring you, and make sure that the deal allows for you to leave a year and a day after the acquisition closes with "minimal" penalties. You'll get less money, but you should get at least half, and everyone else will end up OK.

Also, take 2 weeks off after the deal closes and the money for the acquisition is in escrow.

Re: Ask HN: I don't want to be a founder anymore

#208

Post by lemonsqueeze »

cheez wrote: post #200
fipar wrote: post #193

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Many spouses/partners may not be happy to hear that. The founder could be a woman and the freaking out spouse the man, or another woman, for that matter. My point is I am pretty sure we can leave gender out of the equation.

Yes, it is reasonable to replace women with people in my statement since... they are people.

Men and woman ARE different. Men don't need providing for.

Re: Ask HN: I don't want to be a founder anymore

#209

Post by mgkimsal »

darpa_escapee wrote: post #188
shyn3 wrote: post #164

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Not the OP, but the ability to control your own destiny? :)

Investors, stakeholders and clients control that destiny.

everyone's got a boss, in some measure, but not every "startup" has investors. and, if/when you're the owner, you have more choice in which clients to serve, vs the OP working retail.

Re: Ask HN: I don't want to be a founder anymore

#210

Post by futun »

Been there. It's a hard choice.

I took some risk off the table and did the deal.

Was it the right choice? I'm still not sure. I was certainly less stressed about money afterwards. But I was also left feeling like I probably short circuited many more meaningful (and profitable) levels of success. How much would we have been worth? I'll never know.

But... looking back on it... If I had it to do over again, I probably would have made the same call.

I know exactly where you're at.

Here's the question: What else do you have going on that gives you hope, enthusiasm and energy?

If the answer is "nothing". Don't do the deal.

If you have a list of other things in your life, or things you want to try. Do it.

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