Laid off from the Job at startup. Whats next?

https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=3454870

by Jaggu • 15 years ago

5 6 15 years ago

news.ycombinator.com

Just got laid off from startup. Company is letting go all developers due to lack of second round of funding. Wondering what next to do. Start my own startup or work for big company?

I love startup environment. I am ready to work for 16 hours but same time I need to support basic needs for family. Mind is saying to work on my own idea or work for startup. But heart is saying to get Job.

Help me with the brain storming.

paulhauggis• 15 years ago

how much money do you have in the bank?

If you have at least 6 months to support you and your family, you could try your hand in your own startup.

If not, I would suggest finding a job. Making money with any company usually takes much longer than you would expect.

Jaggu2• 15 years ago

I have enough to survive for 6 months. So leaning towards own startup. It is time ....

bonsai• 15 years ago

Jaggu, if you have family working for big company and stable income is only way to go. Dont risk.

harold• 15 years ago

You might consider doing consulting to keep your cash flowing, and working on your own startup on the side until you're ready to go full time on it.

moocow01• 15 years ago

Well if I personally was in your situation it would be this...

Step 1) Go get a tech job at a place with normal hours, doing something you know well with lower stress. Finding this type of job is not incredibly easy but also not incredibly hard if you open up to the less exciting non-'hot' companies. Basically the goal is to earn decent money while conserving your energy.

Step 2) After work, use your remaining energy and funds from your day job to find traction for and build your business. In essence your persona from 9-5 is your VC for your entrepreneur persona at night.

Step 3) Once you have real satisfying income from your business then dedicate yourself 100% to your business.

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Why not some of the other choices...

- Working only a normal job - If you have the itch it will never stop itching. You'll be miserable if you only work for a big corp. Sorry I can tell you that itch will never leave you alone.

- Betting everything - There are some good stories about people that have achieved amazing success doing this and we hear them over and over because they are just that - good stories. I've known many people who have dropped everything and risked it all on starting their own company... the result: unfortunately typically losing it all. The other option is to try to find a VC. In my opinion, accepting VC money is not something to aspire to but obviously most of SV largely disagrees with me.

Jaggu2• 15 years ago

That itch is the issue. Thats what I am worried about. Will more thinking based on the ideas I am getting from you guys. Thanks!

Laid off from the Job at startup. Whats next?

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