The reality of startup life

So, you decided you want to do startups. First of all, welcome to the circus. Second, I have made a career of being a serial startup builder. I love startups, but I could have used a list of rules before really diving into the startup life. I hope these observations help if you are seriously considering a startup.

1. Roles are ambiguous. In startup world, there really isn’t an attitude of something isn’t your job. Most of the things that are second nature will end up being nothing that is mentioned in a standard job description, which is why it is so hard to write them sometimes. A lot of the time, you are hiring the person who is so committed to the mission, that it doesn’t matter they have to things out of their job scope sometimes.
2. Training is nonexistent. And most of the time, when you are used to the environment, you will realize how many things you can do without guidance or handholding.
3. Change is the only constant. There will be lots of twists and turns and development into the story; but the only real thing that stays the same is that change will always end up being the only true thing that stays the same. The people will change, and the roles will change, and your relationship to your work will change. But if you are asking yourself why you are there, rather than embracing the change that comes every day, it might be a time to relook at the startup you are in.
4. Promotions and pathing is very nebulous. I do not recommend joining a startup if you want to always have the fanciest title. In fact, most of the people I know who work at startups have pretty basic titles and do some really amazing things. There is a lack of process around promotions and pathing, and often there is no formal forum to make your case. So yes, there is less bureaucracy, but in turn, there is less pathing.
5. Equity is way bigger than you think. So choose your startups wisely. Startups do not have the flashiest salaries. Equity is a large portion of your compensation package, but pay attention to the vesting schedule and pay attention to your cliffs. The chances of you joining a startup that is a true unicorn are very minor. Join for the experience you will get in these roles. Join for the people. Join for the things that you will learn and the things you can do. And advocate for as much of the pie as you can get.

What are your startup lessons?

Reth