What do you do if you're considering leaving a stable job for a startup career?

When contemplating leaving a stable job for a startup career, conduct thorough research on the startup's viability, growth potential, and industry trends. Assess your risk tolerance and financial preparedness for potential instability. Network with professionals in the startup ecosystem to gain insights and advice. Evaluate the alignment of your skills, values, and career goals with the startup's mission and culture. Seek mentorship and consider testing the waters through part-time or freelance opportunities before making a final decision.

Before joining a startup, assess your risk tolerance and financial stability. Startups can be volatile, and financial insecurity may arise. Evaluate if you're prepared for potential setbacks and fluctuations in income. Being financially prepared enhances your ability to weather challenges and focus on contributing effectively to the startup's growth.

Dive deep before you leap — Do: Research extensively about the startup's mission, values, and the problem it aims to solve — Don't: Jump ship based on a superficial understanding or enthusiasm. The rhythm of startup life can be intoxicating—fast-paced environments, groundbreaking projects, and the thrill of potential success. Yet, it's crucial to align with the core mission. My journey taught me that deep alignment with the startup's vision and values fuels resilience during tough times. And chances are it might be a bumpy road.

Learning over earning — If you're transitioning from a high-paying role, be prepared for a potential cut in compensation. However, the real value lies in the learning curve. At my first immersions in the startup cofounding world, the skills and insights I gained were exponentially greater than any corporate role could offer. It's an investment in the (your) future.

Make sure you understand why!! Many entrepreneurial people have a "grass is greener" fallacy (myself included) and chase opportunities relentlessly. Working in an early-stage startup (<100 people) will be much more rigorous than working in a corporation, and there will be many high-level eyes on you. Which is great for visibility, but also means you can't hide. Also, be sure to take the time to weigh out pros and cons, along with the percentage chance of each pro and con (example: multiply your stock option with the probability of the company getting acquired or IPOing).

In addition to traditional research methods, leverage platforms like Glassdoor and Crunchbase for insights into employee satisfaction and financial health. Analyze the startup's competitive landscape and industry trends to gauge its long-term viability and growth potential. This comprehensive understanding will empower you to tailor your application and interview responses to showcase your alignment with the startup's goals and culture.

Utilize your personal network to gather firsthand insights into startup life. Schedule informational interviews, attend networking events, and seek out professionals with experience in startups. Their firsthand experiences can provide invaluable insights that complement your research, helping you make a more informed decision about transitioning from a stable job to a startup career.

Understand the financial runway — Know the expression, ‘flying the plane while building it’, well, joining a startup is like boarding a plane that's still testing its engines. Inquire about the company's runway and burn rate. How long can it operate with its current funding? This has been a systematic check for every startup I had a chance to work with. It's essential to know the journey you're signing up for.

If you get an offer from a startup, you need to evaluate it carefully. Startups often pay less than established companies, but they may compensate with equity, benefits, or perks. You need to understand how the startup values its shares, how much equity you are getting, how long is the vesting period, and what are the terms and conditions. You also need to consider the startup's runway, burn rate, and revenue. How long can the startup survive without raising more money? How likely is it to achieve profitability or exit? You need to be realistic about the potential rewards and risks of joining a startup.

When evaluating a job offer from a startup, it's crucial to consider various factors beyond just the financial aspects. Assess the overall compensation package, including equity, benefits, and potential for growth. Evaluate the startup's trajectory, market potential, and company culture.

Network Power Play — During your transition do meet as many founders and startup enthusiasts as possible. Don't underestimate the value of each connection. My own leap into the startup world was significantly smoothed by the insights, advice, and even warnings from those I met over coffee chats, at pitch events, and in co-working spaces. These interactions are not just about networking; they're about tuning into the startup wavelength, learning the ropes, and preparing yourself mentally and emotionally for what's ahead. Make your transition a journey of exploration, learning, and adaptation.

Gear up for hands-on work — Expect to wear multiple hats and dive into hands-on work. Startups often (should) operate with lean teams, meaning you might be the marketer today and the salesperson tomorrow. If you're hesitant about booking your own trips, organizing meetings, or crafting PowerPoints, question if you're ready. The shift from the corporate world's division of labor to the startup's all-hands-on-deck approach is significant. Test your readiness to truly thrive.

As you transition, network with industry professionals and attend relevant events to stay connected and explore future opportunities. Consider seeking mentorship from experienced startup professionals to navigate the transition effectively. Embrace a growth mindset, be adaptable, and remain open to continuous learning and development in the dynamic startup environment.

Find your true north — My time in the corporate world was filled with invaluable lessons and experiences. The leap from corporate to co-founding a startup was driven by this hunger to explore uncharted territories and build something that felt truly ours, alongside my fellow co-founders and entrepreneurial spirits. This wasn’t about turning my back on corporate life; it was about chasing a deep-rooted passion for innovation and making a real impact. Pinpointing my ‘why’ lit the way, giving me the clarity and drive needed to navigate the exhilarating journey of entrepreneurship. Take the time to dig deep. Discover your ‘why' !

The best time to be an entrepreneur is when you're young. You can live in your parent's garage, eat top ramen, and work crazy hours. It's more challenging to be an entrepreneur when you've got kids and a mortgage. If you have a partner that has good job and benefits, that's also a good situation to try entrepreneurship .