Say a little prayer for me

[schmosef]

Good Luck, Umf.

Startups can be risky. Make sure you know what you're getting into.

I'd be hard pressed to throw away 16 years at a company unless the other opportunity was really fantastic.

[Wombat]

If you're working with and for the owner of the company, then throw out any promises he's made about work hours. He'll be there working his ass off for "his company," and he'll resent it when you're not there, too. Either you'll be pressured into working more, or let go. Plus, small businesses don't usually offer benefits, so look into that.

[KvHagedorn]

True, true.. best thing you can do is look at it as in investment opportunity. If he is willing to give you a piece of the pie and it looks like something that's gonna take off bigtime, go for it. You might wind up a billionaire like those guys who got in on the ground floor at Cisco.

If you like security and comfort, don't do this. It's for those with a sense of adventure only.

[UtwigMU]

Umf, best of luck.

[Umfriend]

Startups can be risky. Make sure you know what you're getting into.

I'd be hard pressed to throw away 16 years at a company unless the other opportunity was really fantastic.

This one is. It's got cash to burn for about 2.5 yrs, it's backed by a venture capitalist. Yeah, 16 yrs, geesh. But then, current position holds few real challenges and it's not likely to chenge for the better substantially. Moreover, the pleasent situation for me now, being a lazy bastard, will not last forever.

If you're working with and for the owner of the company, then throw out any promises he's made about work hours. He'll be there working his ass off for "his company," and he'll resent it when you're not there, too. Either you'll be pressured into working more, or let go. Plus, small businesses don't usually offer benefits, so look into that.If you're working with and for the owner of the company, then throw out any promises he's made about work hours. He'll be there working his ass off for "his company," and he'll resent it when you're not there, too. Either you'll be pressured into working more, or let go. Plus, small businesses don't usually offer benefits, so look into that.

This is my only real concern. I can't be let go as easy as in the US, but should it come to that, the severence package is significantly based on the time you've been with a firm, so yes, by leaving I'm giving up "equity" alright. On the other hand, I've got some reserves and my wife is statin her business as well. I can always go back to my very first job, drying plates and cutrlery in a cantine at a factory... But working hours, yes, the guy has great energy. I've been very firm on this and it's been received well, but how it works out in practice remains to be seen of course.

It's just that the position is far moore challenging. I don't think at 35 I should sitck it out for, what?, 22, 27 or 30 years? And if it does take off, and I think it has a very good chance of doing so, it'll be so [having sex] great.

True, true.. best thing you can do is look at it as in investment opportunity. If he is willing to give you a piece of the pie and it looks like something that's gonna take off bigtime, go for it. You might wind up a billionaire like those guys who got in on the ground floor at Cisco.

If you like security and comfort, don't do this. It's for those with a sense of adventure only.

Yes, that's what it is, an investment opportunity. There's some pie if it runs well. I like security and comfort a lot, but I guess I've got a lot of that in savings, house and future career opportunities of me and my wife. If it fails, I don't think I'll ever make the wages I do now, but then, I can do with less (otherwise, where did all the savings come from?).

KVH, if I become a billionnaire out of this, I'll buy you a yacht. Not a 400ft one mind you, but a yaught none the less. Don't hold your hopes up on that though, neither do I

Thx all, much appreciated.

[GNEP]

Go for it and don't look back. Clearly you can't give away too many of the details, but if you want a dispassionate and confidential 2nd opinion, do feel free to email me and let me know some more info as to what it is he's planning to do.

G

[Fat Tone]

@Umf: Good luck dude. For me security is everything...wish I had the balls to make the jump.

@GNEP: When he does, do you fancy a partnership?

[GNEP]

[Umfriend]

Newflash Update

Well, we get to talk again next tuesday, so my wishlist did not put him off entirely at least. Always the thing ain't it? Either he feels comfortable agreeing to most, or he is confident he can talk me out of most.

[xortam]

Very few startups are successful; the number was around 1 percent in the U.S. during the '80s. I imagine the success rate now is probably about where it was in the '80s. Startups require immense amounts of work and diligence but are very invigorating and just plain fun. You'll apply tons of creative energy into a startup and form great camaraderie's, which will be quite rewarding in itself as you succeed. You have to never give up as there will be obstacles to your success but diligence will see you through. Most of all you will need luck. I think you will find this fork in the road one well worth taking. You'll gain much from the venture even if the company isn't successful ... and if you're lucky ...

P.S. You've got to be careful of VCs (Vulture Capitalists) as they can yank the company into directions that the employees may not agree with. The VCs are only there to make a buck and they don't have infinite patience.

[Byock]

I will cross the road for you.

[DukeP]

Best wishes Dude!



~~DukeP~~

[Umfriend]

Wow, it's going to happen..... Gonna let my boss know about now. Very excited. Hope they don't get mad at me here.

[GNEP]

Fantastic. Well done Umf and good luck!

[KeiFront]

Good luck umf in your new job.