I had an opportunity yesterday to end up in my “dream” job. Interesting work, much higher pay than I’m used to, good lifestyle, surrounded by smart, fun people, minimal politics. I turned it down.
I’m too excited about my new company. Huge risk of complete failure, but huge upside if it works. I’ll get paid less, work harder, travel more, my business cards won’t get as much attention – and I’ll be happier anyway. If it doesn’t work out, there will be other great opportunities.
I had a call last week with a Chicago law student contemplating leaving school to do a startup. I did that and it worked out, so the dean sent him to me. He was asking “how do I decide whether to go for it?” There’s no analytical way (as much as I hate to admit that) – it’s a deeply personal, emotional choice.
If my choice to take the harder road makes sense to you, you’re an entrepreneur. Otherwise, you’re not. No shame in that, but if you do a cost/benefit on startup life before launching your own company (as opposed to on the company idea itself), you’ll have a hard time being successful as an entrepreneur.
Apologies to Gatorade.