Vanessa, no problem! Startups are very exciting and fun to work for. I would recommend it to anyone who is serious about it. But I also hope people do not make the decision lightly, because working for a startup is not at all like most other jobs. Good luck!
Scot, you bring up a lot of wonderful and insightful points. It's true that job security is non-existent in a lot of jobs, so hopefully most people are already accustomed to being careful with their money!
I also love this line: "The startup needs to connect to your personal values where you get satisfaction." I wish I had written it myself, because it's so true.
You cannot do a startup that doesn't match up with your personal values, because you have to be emotionally invested in the company's product or service. This is not a case where faking it works, though faking it can sometimes work in a regular job.
"job security is almost non-existent at a startup, so you have to make sure your bank account can handle a date with unemployment."
And there is no job security at any other job either, so you need to have the finances in order regardless of where you work.
You are also correct to make sure the candidate understands the why behind working in a startup. There is this sense of glamor and coolness about it when the reality is unrelenting hours to build something from nothing.
Sure, it's a mission and that's exciting, but will it still be exciting working 60-hours a week six months from now?
If it is excitement and energy you are looking for, go to a nightclub. The startup needs to connect to your personal values where you get satisfaction. Otherwise, it's just a lot of work.
Thoughtful and accurate post. Thanks for sharing it.
From personal experience (at four different start-ups!) I have to say that nothing beats working at a start-up. The energy, passion, and opportunity for growth is incredible.
It does challenge you, though, and there are times that are definitely frustrating. There are days when everyone flying high and others where everything goes wrong and it's necessary to keep your wits about you during the wild ride!
4 RESPONSES TO "HOW DO I GET A JOB AT A STARTUP?"
Vanessa, no problem! Startups are very exciting and fun to work for. I would recommend it to anyone who is serious about it. But I also hope people do not make the decision lightly, because working for a startup is not at all like most other jobs. Good luck!
Scot, you bring up a lot of wonderful and insightful points. It's true that job security is non-existent in a lot of jobs, so hopefully most people are already accustomed to being careful with their money!
I also love this line: "The startup needs to connect to your personal values where you get satisfaction." I wish I had written it myself, because it's so true.
You cannot do a startup that doesn't match up with your personal values, because you have to be emotionally invested in the company's product or service. This is not a case where faking it works, though faking it can sometimes work in a regular job.
Thanks for a great article! I have been thinking a lot about startups and trying to read more about them in the areas of social enterprises for good.
"job security is almost non-existent at a startup, so you have to make sure your bank account can handle a date with unemployment."
And there is no job security at any other job either, so you need to have the finances in order regardless of where you work.
You are also correct to make sure the candidate understands the why behind working in a startup. There is this sense of glamor and coolness about it when the reality is unrelenting hours to build something from nothing.
Sure, it's a mission and that's exciting, but will it still be exciting working 60-hours a week six months from now?
If it is excitement and energy you are looking for, go to a nightclub. The startup needs to connect to your personal values where you get satisfaction. Otherwise, it's just a lot of work.
Thoughtful and accurate post. Thanks for sharing it.
From personal experience (at four different start-ups!) I have to say that nothing beats working at a start-up. The energy, passion, and opportunity for growth is incredible.
It does challenge you, though, and there are times that are definitely frustrating. There are days when everyone flying high and others where everything goes wrong and it's necessary to keep your wits about you during the wild ride!
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