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Ask HN: My company has been acquired and I'm kicked out. What should I do now?

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Re: Ask HN: My company has been acquired and I'm kicked out. What should I do now?

#41

Earlier quoted context omitted.

> Well, my latest startup failure left me with around $50k personal debt, some legal pursuits, expired residence visa in the country I lived in, and a 3 months old baby daughter to care and provide for. I'm having trouble imagining a scenario where the last item is really a proximate consequence of the startup failure (rather than a bit of context that makes the problems that are such consequences more acute.)

probably for the same reason there were so many summer 2009 babies in apartment buildings full of wall st types. :)

Despite the smiley, there's​ a not-implausible explanation implied by that.

Re: Ask HN: My company has been acquired and I'm kicked out. What should I do now?

#42

Earlier quoted context omitted.

> Well, my latest startup failure left me with around $50k personal debt, some legal pursuits, expired residence visa in the country I lived in, and a 3 months old baby daughter to care and provide for. I'm having trouble imagining a scenario where the last item is really a proximate consequence of the startup failure (rather than a bit of context that makes the problems that are such consequences more acute.)

> I'm having trouble imagining a scenario where the last item is really a proximate consequence of the startup failure That's pretty easy for me. Let me try to give an example: start-ups are really hard on relationships, starts-ups that are failing and that you are trying to save doubly so. There is a small chance that that led to relationship issues which in turn led to OP now is a single parent. There are lots of o…

I didn't read in an implicit “on my own” like you seem to have, but I agree that that is a plausible reading, and a fair description of a causal scenario given that reading.

Re: Ask HN: My company has been acquired and I'm kicked out. What should I do now?

#43
Burnout and depression, are tough. I'm currently going through both and find myself asking similar questions.

As far as what to do with life "now", that is the greatest problem that you will spend a lifetime trying to solve.

while (life = true) { echo "what now?" }

## My Own Advice ## For me, getting back to basics is my current pursuit (currently only a dream). I think our generation is generally accepting of the idea to live sustainable and detached from the economic machine.

It's ok to not know what the next steps are, take that as a sign that you need to slow down, reflect, and heal.

You are more experienced than you give credit for, but it's tough to see the entire picture when you are looking through a magnifying glass.

Find a mentor, counselor, or therapist to talk with. Heck, even a friend who has been through something like this would be good for you. Basically, get those thoughts out in the open so that you can hear yourself talk. Just by talking you will validate how you feel, what you think, and ultimately take steps towards feeling better.

Meditation helps. Recently I've developed for the first time in my life anxiety attacks that leave me with chest wall pain. I attribute this to recent events in my family, work, and trying to meet society's expectations. But, I have found that meditation has helped me bring some peace to my life. Gardening, sitting by a fire, playing with my dog, woodworking, listening to music, these are just a few of many things you can do find peace in your mind.

Too bad we couldn't grab lunch or coffee. I would enjoy hearing your story.

Re: Ask HN: My company has been acquired and I'm kicked out. What should I do now?

#44
Given your experience as a founder, you could probably be a good COO at a small but growing startup, taking some of the load off of the CEO. First, I'd let yourself decompress for a bit, though, and give yourself permission to really do whatever you feel like doing for a couple months, without thinking too much about the future.

Re: Ask HN: My company has been acquired and I'm kicked out. What should I do now?

#45

Earlier quoted context omitted.

> Well, my latest startup failure left me with around $50k personal debt, some legal pursuits, expired residence visa in the country I lived in, and a 3 months old baby daughter to care and provide for. I'm having trouble imagining a scenario where the last item is really a proximate consequence of the startup failure (rather than a bit of context that makes the problems that are such consequences more acute.)

> I'm having trouble imagining a scenario where the last item is really a proximate consequence of the startup failure That's pretty easy for me. Let me try to give an example: start-ups are really hard on relationships, starts-ups that are failing and that you are trying to save doubly so. There is a small chance that that led to relationship issues which in turn led to OP now is a single parent. There are lots of o…

English is not my first language - does OP really imply he is a single parent simply stating "and a 3 months old baby daughter to care and provide for."

I would say the same even though I'm happily living with my wife. Nursery cost and rent alone would cause financial difficulty.

You can save on nursery but a 3 months old is a full time job if you don't have family around (which an immigrant like me and op is unlikely to have)

Re: Ask HN: My company has been acquired and I'm kicked out. What should I do now?

#46
I am beginning year 4 as a co-founder of a startup. I know how tough it can be, and how it can feel when you don't accomplish what you set out to.

People seem to be keep saying that you shouldn't get down on yourself. While true in the long term, it's perfectly normal to feel down sometimes. You've been through a lot. It's OK to feel fear and anxiety, and even question yourself at times. So long as you realize that it's temporary. Because you will bounce back. The fear and anxiety make it so, because it motives us. You are tough and determined, or you wouldn't have lasted anywhere close to this point. Respect!

Another thing to consider is.. what is your end goal? Is it to constantly be challenged? Is it loving to start from scratch and build something with a small team? If so, take a break, and try again. You aren't even 30. If your end goal is a slower pace and more financial stability, because you think long term that is what you will want, take a role at an established company. Your experience and determination as an entrepreneur will be sought after. And you can always do side projects.

Lastly, keep in mind why you took the risks in the first place. If you didn't try, you wouldn't have been happy. It's ok to feel what you feel. Take some time to rest and re-charge. You'll be back :)

Re: Ask HN: My company has been acquired and I'm kicked out. What should I do now?

#47
post #45

Earlier quoted context omitted.

> I'm having trouble imagining a scenario where the last item is really a proximate consequence of the startup failure That's pretty easy for me. Let me try to give an example: start-ups are really hard on relationships, starts-ups that are failing and that you are trying to save doubly so. There is a small chance that that led to relationship issues which in turn led to OP now is a single parent. There are lots of o…

English is not my first language - does OP really imply he is a single parent simply stating "and a 3 months old baby daughter to care and provide for." I would say the same even though I'm happily living with my wife. Nursery cost and rent alone would cause financial difficulty. You can save on nursery but a 3 months old is a full time job if you don't have family around (which an immigrant like me and op is unlikel…

No, it does not imply that, but it leaves that possibility open.

Re: Ask HN: My company has been acquired and I'm kicked out. What should I do now?

#48
post #5

Take a look into the stock market and try to develop trading systems... if it works out, you'll be set for life... good luck

Flagging this. Someone asking for help should not be handed a loaded gun.

You don't have to spent any money testing and developing trading systems

Re: Ask HN: My company has been acquired and I'm kicked out. What should I do now?

#49
post #5

Take a look into the stock market and try to develop trading systems... if it works out, you'll be set for life... good luck

Horrrrible advice. Wow

Best advice ever, wish someone gave it to me 20 years ago. the is the best life stile business, location independent, no employees, no clients, no bosses

Re: Ask HN: My company has been acquired and I'm kicked out. What should I do now?

#50
If your looking to talk this through live with someone and bounce ideas about career and such, I do coaching for lots of job seekers (also resume writing, bios, etc.) and have worked with a number of HN'ers over the past few years. Much of my coaching is just asking the right questions to help clients arrive at their own conclusions.

If interested, my contact info is in my profile.

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