Comments on: Yes, Dilbert, you can keep your day job!

By: Jeffrey

Jeffrey — Sat, 22 Mar 2008 16:01:44 +0000

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

Greg — Thu, 20 Mar 2008 20:13:27 +0000

I’d take a pretty careful look at your employment contract first.

By: Tony Wright

Tony Wright — Thu, 20 Mar 2008 16:35:33 +0000

“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 ).

By: Hugh Bien

Hugh Bien — Thu, 20 Mar 2008 16:18:01 +0000

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).