Comments on: Joining a startup is far less risky than most people think http://cdixon.org/2009/05/11/joining-a-startup-is-far-less-risky-than-most-people-think/ Wed, 08 Feb 2012 16:40:53 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.1 By: What The NYC Startup World Needs (And Doesn’t Need) | The Garden of Princess Aileen 心灵的驿站 http://cdixon.org/2009/05/11/joining-a-startup-is-far-less-risky-than-most-people-think/comment-page-1/#comment-16592 What The NYC Startup World Needs (And Doesn’t Need) | The Garden of Princess Aileen 心灵的驿站 Mon, 26 Dec 2011 12:01:37 +0000 http://www.cdixon.org/?p=181#comment-16592 [...] (big props to HackNY for trying to fix this). East Coast CS students also view startups as a much riskier path than they actually are. I say this having been at dozens of events with East Coast students over the last year or so [...] [...] (big props to HackNY for trying to fix this). East Coast CS students also view startups as a much riskier path than they actually are. I say this having been at dozens of events with East Coast students over the last year or so [...]

]]> By: What It’s Really Like To Work At A Startup | | works.ee blogworks.ee blog http://cdixon.org/2009/05/11/joining-a-startup-is-far-less-risky-than-most-people-think/comment-page-1/#comment-15464 What It’s Really Like To Work At A Startup | | works.ee blogworks.ee blog Fri, 14 Oct 2011 19:59:23 +0000 http://www.cdixon.org/?p=181#comment-15464 [...] thing as job security. Lay-offs at even the most stalwart companies are commonplace. For example, Chris Dixon saw his fellow HBS grads lost jobs at Fortune 500s such as Bear Stearns, Lehman Brothers and Ford. [...] [...] thing as job security. Lay-offs at even the most stalwart companies are commonplace. For example, Chris Dixon saw his fellow HBS grads lost jobs at Fortune 500s such as Bear Stearns, Lehman Brothers and Ford. [...]

]]> By: How New York Can Become a Serious Startup Hub « Startups http://cdixon.org/2009/05/11/joining-a-startup-is-far-less-risky-than-most-people-think/comment-page-1/#comment-15456 How New York Can Become a Serious Startup Hub « Startups Thu, 13 Oct 2011 23:53:54 +0000 http://www.cdixon.org/?p=181#comment-15456 [...] (big props to HackNY for trying to fix this). East Coast CS students also view startups as a much riskier path than they actually are. I say this having been at dozens of events with East Coast students over the last year or so [...] [...] (big props to HackNY for trying to fix this). East Coast CS students also view startups as a much riskier path than they actually are. I say this having been at dozens of events with East Coast students over the last year or so [...]

]]> By: Continuously building skills of value in emerging market segments « Management Briefs http://cdixon.org/2009/05/11/joining-a-startup-is-far-less-risky-than-most-people-think/comment-page-1/#comment-14935 Continuously building skills of value in emerging market segments « Management Briefs Mon, 08 Aug 2011 13:08:04 +0000 http://www.cdixon.org/?p=181#comment-14935 [...] startups, this is actually great news. I agree with others that say that although working for an individual startup is risky, pursuing a startup career path [...] [...] startups, this is actually great news. I agree with others that say that although working for an individual startup is risky, pursuing a startup career path [...]

]]> By: New York Takes Its Engineering Talent Crunch to the NYSE Floor - World Bad News : World Bad News http://cdixon.org/2009/05/11/joining-a-startup-is-far-less-risky-than-most-people-think/comment-page-1/#comment-14858 New York Takes Its Engineering Talent Crunch to the NYSE Floor - World Bad News : World Bad News Wed, 03 Aug 2011 16:22:50 +0000 http://www.cdixon.org/?p=181#comment-14858 [...] perplexing to repair this). East Coast CS students also perspective startups as a much riskier trail than they indeed are. we contend this carrying been during dozens of events with East Coast students over a final year [...] [...] perplexing to repair this). East Coast CS students also perspective startups as a much riskier trail than they indeed are. we contend this carrying been during dozens of events with East Coast students over a final year [...]

]]> By: New York takes its engineering talent crunch to the NYSE floor — Tech News and Analysis http://cdixon.org/2009/05/11/joining-a-startup-is-far-less-risky-than-most-people-think/comment-page-1/#comment-14843 New York takes its engineering talent crunch to the NYSE floor — Tech News and Analysis Wed, 03 Aug 2011 14:00:42 +0000 http://www.cdixon.org/?p=181#comment-14843 [...] props to HackNY for trying to fix this). East Coast CS students also view startups as a much riskier path than they actually are. I say this having been at dozens of events with East Coast students over the last year or so [...] [...] props to HackNY for trying to fix this). East Coast CS students also view startups as a much riskier path than they actually are. I say this having been at dozens of events with East Coast students over the last year or so [...]

]]> By: What The NYC Startup World Needs (And Doesn’t Need) | DONALD SCHWARTZ http://cdixon.org/2009/05/11/joining-a-startup-is-far-less-risky-than-most-people-think/comment-page-1/#comment-14832 What The NYC Startup World Needs (And Doesn’t Need) | DONALD SCHWARTZ Wed, 03 Aug 2011 11:02:17 +0000 http://www.cdixon.org/?p=181#comment-14832 [...] (big props to HackNY for trying to fix this). East Coast CS students also view startups as a much riskier path than they actually are. I say this having been at dozens of events with East Coast students over the last year or so [...] [...] (big props to HackNY for trying to fix this). East Coast CS students also view startups as a much riskier path than they actually are. I say this having been at dozens of events with East Coast students over the last year or so [...]

]]> By: The illusion of job stability « Homepreneurs's Blog http://cdixon.org/2009/05/11/joining-a-startup-is-far-less-risky-than-most-people-think/comment-page-1/#comment-14605 The illusion of job stability « Homepreneurs's Blog Wed, 13 Jul 2011 03:49:31 +0000 http://www.cdixon.org/?p=181#comment-14605 [...] startups, this is actually great news. I agree with others that say that although working for an individual startup is risky, pursuing a startup career path [...] [...] startups, this is actually great news. I agree with others that say that although working for an individual startup is risky, pursuing a startup career path [...]

]]> By: The illusion of job stability « Finance « Tel: (786) 499-7164 >> LIFE INSURANCE, HEALTH INSURANCE, RETIREMENT PLANS, ANNUITIES, FINANCIAL SERVICES ETC http://cdixon.org/2009/05/11/joining-a-startup-is-far-less-risky-than-most-people-think/comment-page-1/#comment-14597 The illusion of job stability « Finance « Tel: (786) 499-7164 >> LIFE INSURANCE, HEALTH INSURANCE, RETIREMENT PLANS, ANNUITIES, FINANCIAL SERVICES ETC Mon, 11 Jul 2011 21:30:03 +0000 http://www.cdixon.org/?p=181#comment-14597 [...] startups, this is actually great news. I agree with others that say that although working for an individual startup is risky, pursuing a startup career path [...] [...] startups, this is actually great news. I agree with others that say that although working for an individual startup is risky, pursuing a startup career path [...]

]]> By: Kiran Pedada http://cdixon.org/2009/05/11/joining-a-startup-is-far-less-risky-than-most-people-think/comment-page-1/#comment-9303 Kiran Pedada Wed, 16 Jun 2010 13:33:02 +0000 http://www.cdixon.org/?p=181#comment-9303 It's a nice post. I agree with many points. The number of successful and stable big companies is definitely more than the number of unstable companies. On the other hand, what is the success rate of a start-up? I think it is as low as 10% (<a href="http://www.startups.co.uk/6678842910843437934/what-is-the-success-rate-of-a-startup.html" rel="nofollow">http://www.startups.co.uk/6678842910843437934/w...</a>). It's a nice post. I agree with many points. The number of successful and stable big companies is definitely more than the number of unstable companies. On the other hand, what is the success rate of a start-up? I think it is as low as 10% (http://www.startups.co.uk/6678842910843437934/w…).

]]> By: Aditya Rao http://cdixon.org/2009/05/11/joining-a-startup-is-far-less-risky-than-most-people-think/comment-page-1/#comment-9302 Aditya Rao Wed, 16 Jun 2010 13:21:50 +0000 http://www.cdixon.org/?p=181#comment-9302 I have to agree on all points. Maybe point 1 is a bit extreme though :) I have to agree on all points. Maybe point 1 is a bit extreme though :)

]]> By: NYC Startup Job Fair: How Graduates Can Get a Great Job at a Startup | WAGTi Media Group http://cdixon.org/2009/05/11/joining-a-startup-is-far-less-risky-than-most-people-think/comment-page-1/#comment-7698 NYC Startup Job Fair: How Graduates Can Get a Great Job at a Startup | WAGTi Media Group Thu, 08 Apr 2010 15:18:28 +0000 http://www.cdixon.org/?p=181#comment-7698 [...] However, as Chris Dixon notes, this career move may actually be less risky than one might believe. He cites the following reasons that college graduates should consider joining a startup >>> continue [...] [...] However, as Chris Dixon notes, this career move may actually be less risky than one might believe. He cites the following reasons that college graduates should consider joining a startup >>> continue [...]

]]> By: ArticleSave :: Uncategorized :: NYC Startup Job Fair: How Graduates Can Get a Great Job at a Startup http://cdixon.org/2009/05/11/joining-a-startup-is-far-less-risky-than-most-people-think/comment-page-1/#comment-7693 ArticleSave :: Uncategorized :: NYC Startup Job Fair: How Graduates Can Get a Great Job at a Startup Thu, 08 Apr 2010 06:10:48 +0000 http://www.cdixon.org/?p=181#comment-7693 [...] Just as there are many myths surrounding the risks associated with launching a startup as an entrepreneur, there are many myths associated with joining a startup as an employee – whether as a recent college graduate or as someone with more substantial work experience. However, as Chris Dixon notes, this career move may actually be less risky than one might believe. He cites the following reasons that college graduates should consider joining a startup: [...] [...] Just as there are many myths surrounding the risks associated with launching a startup as an entrepreneur, there are many myths associated with joining a startup as an employee – whether as a recent college graduate or as someone with more substantial work experience. However, as Chris Dixon notes, this career move may actually be less risky than one might believe. He cites the following reasons that college graduates should consider joining a startup: [...]

]]> By: NYC Startup Job Fair: How Graduates Can Get a Great Job at a Startup | Techdare http://cdixon.org/2009/05/11/joining-a-startup-is-far-less-risky-than-most-people-think/comment-page-1/#comment-7692 NYC Startup Job Fair: How Graduates Can Get a Great Job at a Startup | Techdare Wed, 07 Apr 2010 23:15:10 +0000 http://www.cdixon.org/?p=181#comment-7692 [...] Just as there are many myths surrounding the risks associated with launching a startup as an entrepreneur, there are many myths associated with joining a startup as an employee – whether as a recent college graduate or as someone with more substantial work experience. However, as Chris Dixon notes, this career move may actually be less risky than one might believe. He cites the following reasons that college graduates should consider joining a startup: [...] [...] Just as there are many myths surrounding the risks associated with launching a startup as an entrepreneur, there are many myths associated with joining a startup as an employee – whether as a recent college graduate or as someone with more substantial work experience. However, as Chris Dixon notes, this career move may actually be less risky than one might believe. He cites the following reasons that college graduates should consider joining a startup: [...]

]]> By: the hive » NYC Startup Job Fair: How Graduates Can Get a Great Job at a Startup http://cdixon.org/2009/05/11/joining-a-startup-is-far-less-risky-than-most-people-think/comment-page-1/#comment-7691 the hive » NYC Startup Job Fair: How Graduates Can Get a Great Job at a Startup Wed, 07 Apr 2010 22:04:57 +0000 http://www.cdixon.org/?p=181#comment-7691 [...] Just as there are many myths surrounding the risks associated with launching a startup as an entrepreneur, there are many myths associated with joining a startup as an employee - whether as a recent college graduate or as someone with more substantial work experience. However, as Chris Dixon notes, this career move may actually be less risky than one might believe. He cites the following reasons that college graduates should consider joining a startup: [...] [...] Just as there are many myths surrounding the risks associated with launching a startup as an entrepreneur, there are many myths associated with joining a startup as an employee – whether as a recent college graduate or as someone with more substantial work experience. However, as Chris Dixon notes, this career move may actually be less risky than one might believe. He cites the following reasons that college graduates should consider joining a startup: [...]

]]> By: NYC Startup Job Fair: How Graduates Can Get a Great Job at a Startup « Coworking Congress http://cdixon.org/2009/05/11/joining-a-startup-is-far-less-risky-than-most-people-think/comment-page-1/#comment-7690 NYC Startup Job Fair: How Graduates Can Get a Great Job at a Startup « Coworking Congress Wed, 07 Apr 2010 22:03:16 +0000 http://www.cdixon.org/?p=181#comment-7690 [...] Since there remains much that higher education can do to nurture startups and to prepare and encourage students to seek opportunities there, the class of 2010 college graduates can and should look to startups as opportunities to launch their careers. Likewise, the class of 2010 and their search for post-college employment can and should provide startups with an opportunity to recruit the best and the brightest to join their ranks. Just as there are many myths surrounding the risks associated with launching a startup as an entrepreneur, there are many myths associated with joining a startup as an employee - whether as a recent college graduate or as someone with more substantial work experience. However, as Chris Dixon notes, this career move may actually be less risky than one might believe. He cites the following reasons that college graduates should consider joining a startup: [...] [...] Since there remains much that higher education can do to nurture startups and to prepare and encourage students to seek opportunities there, the class of 2010 college graduates can and should look to startups as opportunities to launch their careers. Likewise, the class of 2010 and their search for post-college employment can and should provide startups with an opportunity to recruit the best and the brightest to join their ranks. Just as there are many myths surrounding the risks associated with launching a startup as an entrepreneur, there are many myths associated with joining a startup as an employee – whether as a recent college graduate or as someone with more substantial work experience. However, as Chris Dixon notes, this career move may actually be less risky than one might believe. He cites the following reasons that college graduates should consider joining a startup: [...]

]]> By: NYC Startup Job Fair: How Graduates Can Get a Great Job at a Startup http://cdixon.org/2009/05/11/joining-a-startup-is-far-less-risky-than-most-people-think/comment-page-1/#comment-7689 NYC Startup Job Fair: How Graduates Can Get a Great Job at a Startup Wed, 07 Apr 2010 22:01:42 +0000 http://www.cdixon.org/?p=181#comment-7689 [...] Since there remains much that higher education can do to nurture startups and to prepare and encourage students to seek opportunities there, the class of 2010 college graduates can and should look to startups as opportunities to launch their careers. Likewise, the class of 2010 and their search for post-college employment can and should provide startups with an opportunity to recruit the best and the brightest to join their ranks. Just as there are many myths surrounding the risks associated with launching a startup as an entrepreneur, there are many myths associated with joining a startup as an employee - whether as a recent college graduate or as someone with more substantial work experience. However, as Chris Dixon notes, this career move may actually be less risky than one might believe. He cites the following reasons that college graduates should consider joining a startup: [...] [...] Since there remains much that higher education can do to nurture startups and to prepare and encourage students to seek opportunities there, the class of 2010 college graduates can and should look to startups as opportunities to launch their careers. Likewise, the class of 2010 and their search for post-college employment can and should provide startups with an opportunity to recruit the best and the brightest to join their ranks. Just as there are many myths surrounding the risks associated with launching a startup as an entrepreneur, there are many myths associated with joining a startup as an employee – whether as a recent college graduate or as someone with more substantial work experience. However, as Chris Dixon notes, this career move may actually be less risky than one might believe. He cites the following reasons that college graduates should consider joining a startup: [...]

]]> By: NYC Startup Job Fair: How Graduates Can Get a Great Job at a Startup | Tech News Ninja http://cdixon.org/2009/05/11/joining-a-startup-is-far-less-risky-than-most-people-think/comment-page-1/#comment-7688 NYC Startup Job Fair: How Graduates Can Get a Great Job at a Startup | Tech News Ninja Wed, 07 Apr 2010 22:01:10 +0000 http://www.cdixon.org/?p=181#comment-7688 [...] Just as there are many myths surrounding the risks associated with launching a startup as an entrepreneur, there are many myths associated with joining a startup as an employee – whether as a recent college graduate or as someone with more substantial work experience. However, as Chris Dixon notes, this career move may actually be less risky than one might believe. He cites the following reasons that college graduates should consider joining a startup: [...] [...] Just as there are many myths surrounding the risks associated with launching a startup as an entrepreneur, there are many myths associated with joining a startup as an employee – whether as a recent college graduate or as someone with more substantial work experience. However, as Chris Dixon notes, this career move may actually be less risky than one might believe. He cites the following reasons that college graduates should consider joining a startup: [...]

]]> By: NYC Startup Job Fair: How Graduates Can Get a Great Job at a Startup http://cdixon.org/2009/05/11/joining-a-startup-is-far-less-risky-than-most-people-think/comment-page-1/#comment-7687 NYC Startup Job Fair: How Graduates Can Get a Great Job at a Startup Wed, 07 Apr 2010 21:58:30 +0000 http://www.cdixon.org/?p=181#comment-7687 [...] Just as there are many myths surrounding the risks associated with launching a startup as an entrepreneur, there are many myths associated with joining a startup as an employee – whether as a recent college graduate or as someone with more substantial work experience. However, as Chris Dixon notes, this career move may actually be less risky than one might believe. He cites the following reasons that college graduates should consider joining a startup: [...] [...] Just as there are many myths surrounding the risks associated with launching a startup as an entrepreneur, there are many myths associated with joining a startup as an employee – whether as a recent college graduate or as someone with more substantial work experience. However, as Chris Dixon notes, this career move may actually be less risky than one might believe. He cites the following reasons that college graduates should consider joining a startup: [...]

]]> By: On becoming a practicing software engineer | B-School Admissions Formula http://cdixon.org/2009/05/11/joining-a-startup-is-far-less-risky-than-most-people-think/comment-page-1/#comment-7179 On becoming a practicing software engineer | B-School Admissions Formula Fri, 05 Mar 2010 07:00:47 +0000 http://www.cdixon.org/?p=181#comment-7179 [...] Joining a startup is less risky than you think. Every time an engineer joins google a startup dies. [...] [...] Joining a startup is less risky than you think. Every time an engineer joins google a startup dies. [...]

]]> By: On becoming a practicing software engineer @ Knewton Blog http://cdixon.org/2009/05/11/joining-a-startup-is-far-less-risky-than-most-people-think/comment-page-1/#comment-7175 On becoming a practicing software engineer @ Knewton Blog Thu, 04 Mar 2010 14:19:58 +0000 http://www.cdixon.org/?p=181#comment-7175 [...] my way/solve my way to a solution.” Chris Dixon also has a couple nice posts on this topic: Joining a startup is less risky than you think. Every time an engineer joins google a startup dies. More specifically, work for my startup: [...] [...] my way/solve my way to a solution.” Chris Dixon also has a couple nice posts on this topic: Joining a startup is less risky than you think. Every time an engineer joins google a startup dies. More specifically, work for my startup: [...]

]]> By: LH http://cdixon.org/2009/05/11/joining-a-startup-is-far-less-risky-than-most-people-think/comment-page-1/#comment-6966 LH Mon, 15 Feb 2010 20:49:07 +0000 http://www.cdixon.org/?p=181#comment-6966 I agree in some ways and disagree in others. In a startup if you fail you go fast. There is not the same honor system for making sure employees are loved that is done so in a bigger entity. Additionally, there are few stories these days about getting rich quick in a startup and often times the ownership has sold their soul to the investors to assure a big payout for them but not for their teams. They are the ones with big golden parachutes and a high risk reward. I know as being the HR person at many a startup and having to shut the doors and disappoint people. I think you either are a startup personality or are not one. Those who like to be highly visible and do lots of things that may be outside of their usual realm should consider startups. Those who prefer a more regimented or process driven world should go larger...just my 2C. I agree in some ways and disagree in others. In a startup if you fail you go fast. There is not the same honor system for making sure employees are loved that is done so in a bigger entity. Additionally, there are few stories these days about getting rich quick in a startup and often times the ownership has sold their soul to the investors to assure a big payout for them but not for their teams. They are the ones with big golden parachutes and a high risk reward. I know as being the HR person at many a startup and having to shut the doors and disappoint people. I think you either are a startup personality or are not one. Those who like to be highly visible and do lots of things that may be outside of their usual realm should consider startups. Those who prefer a more regimented or process driven world should go larger…just my 2C.

]]> By: Andrew http://cdixon.org/2009/05/11/joining-a-startup-is-far-less-risky-than-most-people-think/comment-page-1/#comment-6866 Andrew Fri, 12 Feb 2010 19:04:51 +0000 http://www.cdixon.org/?p=181#comment-6866 Your message is a tad biased. The reality is over a 10 year span a vast majority of start-up employees will earn less money, work harder, yet have more fun, more autonomy. The corporate types will earn more more money, learn different skills, work less hard but have less fun and less of them will "win big". During the same period that you state Ford, hedge funds etc. laid people off, the start-up community laid off people in their droves because so many failed to get funding or their next round. It's a mix. I've worked in both worlds, and I prefer the start-up world. It's a question of which environment you would prefer to work in and what you want (pace, risk/return profile, culture needs etc...). It's not so black and white. Your message is a tad biased. The reality is over a 10 year span a vast majority of start-up employees will earn less money, work harder, yet have more fun, more autonomy. The corporate types will earn more more money, learn different skills, work less hard but have less fun and less of them will “win big”. During the same period that you state Ford, hedge funds etc. laid people off, the start-up community laid off people in their droves because so many failed to get funding or their next round. It’s a mix. I’ve worked in both worlds, and I prefer the start-up world. It’s a question of which environment you would prefer to work in and what you want (pace, risk/return profile, culture needs etc…). It’s not so black and white.

]]> By: Dave http://cdixon.org/2009/05/11/joining-a-startup-is-far-less-risky-than-most-people-think/comment-page-1/#comment-6709 Dave Thu, 11 Feb 2010 14:15:11 +0000 http://www.cdixon.org/?p=181#comment-6709 Perhaps an issue of these times, but in my 4-years experience in 2 startups, the reality is that you are constantly in uncertainty mode. You can be out or the thing could be dead tomorrow. It's a huge toll on your state of mind. The other impact is that when you're interviewing, you loose a lot of points with 'solid' organization opportunities, as you're being seen as a loose cannon. Again, perhaps just a sign of current times, when companies expect the 105% candidate fit. Perhaps an issue of these times, but in my 4-years experience in 2 startups, the reality is that you are constantly in uncertainty mode. You can be out or the thing could be dead tomorrow. It’s a huge toll on your state of mind. The other impact is that when you’re interviewing, you loose a lot of points with ‘solid’ organization opportunities, as you’re being seen as a loose cannon.
Again, perhaps just a sign of current times, when companies expect the 105% candidate fit.

]]> By: The ideal startup career path | Igniting Startups - nPost http://cdixon.org/2009/05/11/joining-a-startup-is-far-less-risky-than-most-people-think/comment-page-1/#comment-4414 The ideal startup career path | Igniting Startups - nPost Fri, 23 Oct 2009 16:26:00 +0000 http://www.cdixon.org/?p=181#comment-4414 [...] and act with integrity, people will notice.  Contrary to popular wisdom, you will actually have more job stability than working at a big company.  And hopefully you’ll go on to start your own company, gain [...] [...] and act with integrity, people will notice.  Contrary to popular wisdom, you will actually have more job stability than working at a big company.  And hopefully you’ll go on to start your own company, gain [...]

]]> By: Jesse Armand http://cdixon.org/2009/05/11/joining-a-startup-is-far-less-risky-than-most-people-think/comment-page-1/#comment-1759 Jesse Armand Sun, 30 Aug 2009 10:04:46 +0000 http://www.cdixon.org/?p=181#comment-1759 I never worked at any big companies, because of the fact that the things that I'm interested at, and I'm good at, are not the things that are the interest of established companies around "where" I lived. You're correct about the situations in startup compared to the big companies. But, the risk with startups are always related to their financial conditions and how to find talented people or experts that would be able to deliver the best results. In order to compete with big companies, good and engaging product is the number one determining factor. Unfortunately, it's very hard to find great talents in software, around my living area, to realize such startup idea. I never worked at any big companies, because of the fact that the things that I’m interested at, and I’m good at, are not the things that are the interest of established companies around “where” I lived.

You’re correct about the situations in startup compared to the big companies. But, the risk with startups are always related to their financial conditions and how to find talented people or experts that would be able to deliver the best results.

In order to compete with big companies, good and engaging product is the number one determining factor.

Unfortunately, it’s very hard to find great talents in software, around my living area, to realize such startup idea.

]]> By: Dave http://cdixon.org/2009/05/11/joining-a-startup-is-far-less-risky-than-most-people-think/comment-page-1/#comment-1119 Dave Fri, 07 Aug 2009 16:15:56 +0000 http://www.cdixon.org/?p=181#comment-1119 This is a great post. Completely agree, but I do think there is one risk of startups you don't mention: If you are at a well-funded startup with purely technical founders the VCs will often bring in a big-company CEO, who in turn brings big-company policies. In this instance you have the worst of both worlds. This has happened to me twice, and both times the results were predictably disastrous. This is a great post. Completely agree, but I do think there is one risk of startups you don’t mention: If you are at a well-funded startup with purely technical founders the VCs will often bring in a big-company CEO, who in turn brings big-company policies. In this instance you have the worst of both worlds. This has happened to me twice, and both times the results were predictably disastrous.

]]> By: Sorin Puscau http://cdixon.org/2009/05/11/joining-a-startup-is-far-less-risky-than-most-people-think/comment-page-1/#comment-947 Sorin Puscau Mon, 11 May 2009 19:48:44 +0000 http://www.cdixon.org/?p=181#comment-947 Being on the other side of the wall, I understand what loyalty means to the janitor, not just a VP and how it will help a company. I know companies that have received awards for Employer of the year or month...whatever...and trust me...it sucked working there...but there are many others without awards that are far better than those winning awards. To me...being loyal to my employees is the #1 priority, since I cannot run the company on my own and the company hired them, not the other way around. Imagine if XYZ (insert your favorite company) has all, I mean all employees quit...how well are they until they find replacements? Being on the other side of the wall, I understand what loyalty means to the janitor, not just a VP and how it will help a company.

I know companies that have received awards for Employer of the year or month…whatever…and trust me…it sucked working there…but there are many others without awards that are far better than those winning awards.

To me…being loyal to my employees is the #1 priority, since I cannot run the company on my own and the company hired them, not the other way around.

Imagine if XYZ (insert your favorite company) has all, I mean all employees quit…how well are they until they find replacements?

]]> By: Sorin Puscau http://cdixon.org/2009/05/11/joining-a-startup-is-far-less-risky-than-most-people-think/comment-page-1/#comment-944 Sorin Puscau Mon, 11 May 2009 19:43:43 +0000 http://www.cdixon.org/?p=181#comment-944 I agree with you Chris, but majority of people have their brakes on because of the media, economic conditions, social status (need for less risky career). Smart and wise individuals end up in start ups and the "dinosaurs" (as I call traditional business individuals) will never move to newer companies. I agree with you Chris, but majority of people have their brakes on because of the media, economic conditions, social status (need for less risky career). Smart and wise individuals end up in start ups and the “dinosaurs” (as I call traditional business individuals) will never move to newer companies.

]]>