Comments on: Yes, Dilbert, you can keep your day job! http://gigaom.com/2008/03/20/yes-dilbert-you-can-keep-your-day-job/ The Business of Technology Sun, 23 Nov 2008 10:38:33 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=MU hourly 1 By: Jeffrey http://gigaom.com/2008/03/20/yes-dilbert-you-can-keep-your-day-job/#comment-875242 Jeffrey Sat, 22 Mar 2008 16:01:44 +0000 http://foundread.com/?p=621#comment-875242 Well, of course he would think that doing anything but your startup is a bad idea. Having a job and doing a startup means you're self-funding, and self-funded startups are in direct competition with Paul's funding model. Also, from the frame of reference of any investor, if you're only working half-time, the investors aren't getting as much value out of you. But just because this is true, let's not make this into a "rule" about start-ups. Well, of course he would think that doing anything but your startup is a bad idea. Having a job and doing a startup means you’re self-funding, and self-funded startups are in direct competition with Paul’s funding model.

Also, from the frame of reference of any investor, if you’re only working half-time, the investors aren’t getting as much value out of you. But just because this is true, let’s not make this into a “rule” about start-ups.

]]> By: Greg http://gigaom.com/2008/03/20/yes-dilbert-you-can-keep-your-day-job/#comment-875245 Greg Thu, 20 Mar 2008 20:13:27 +0000 http://foundread.com/?p=621#comment-875245 I'd take a pretty careful look at your employment contract first. I’d take a pretty careful look at your employment contract first.

]]> By: Tony Wright http://gigaom.com/2008/03/20/yes-dilbert-you-can-keep-your-day-job/#comment-875244 Tony Wright Thu, 20 Mar 2008 16:35:33 +0000 http://foundread.com/?p=621#comment-875244 "Tony’s current company, RescueTime, is a Y Combinator shop — which means Graham must agree with some of what Tony has to say! " Heh, Paul Graham might agree with a bit of it. He's pretty darn adamant that doing ANYTHING other than your startup is a bad idea, I think. He's got a great essay on the topic called "How Not to Die" ( http://www.paulgraham.com/die.html ). “Tony’s current company, RescueTime, is a Y Combinator shop — which means Graham must agree with some of what Tony has to say! ”

Heh, Paul Graham might agree with a bit of it. He’s pretty darn adamant that doing ANYTHING other than your startup is a bad idea, I think. He’s got a great essay on the topic called “How Not to Die” ( (link) ).

]]> By: Hugh Bien http://gigaom.com/2008/03/20/yes-dilbert-you-can-keep-your-day-job/#comment-875243 Hugh Bien Thu, 20 Mar 2008 16:18:01 +0000 http://foundread.com/?p=621#comment-875243 2. Pick a day or two per week where you always work, ideally in the same room as your co-founders. 3. Have a boat-burning target: What will it take for everyone to dive in full-time? 5,000 active users? 10,000 uniques a week? Funding? Probably my favorite two items. Have a set day so you'll always be making progress and have a set goal so you know when you're done (and can reward yourself). 2. Pick a day or two per week where you always work, ideally in the same room as your co-founders.
3. Have a boat-burning target: What will it take for everyone to dive in full-time? 5,000 active users? 10,000 uniques a week? Funding?

Probably my favorite two items. Have a set day so you’ll always be making progress and have a set goal so you know when you’re done (and can reward yourself).

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