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Discussion on: Why I stepped out of my first startup

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enygmator profile image
Eny 🍀 (Tarun Aditya)

I have 4-6 true friends. (I'm an introvert and keep a very "closed" circle)

I would be comfortable starting a company with them because I know them so well.

The catch is - I know (near perfectly) their behavior, attitude towards life, the way they make their choices, so I am very much aware of almost all of their "faults" (reasons which might be a cause of friction), and I'm not afraid to point that out because, when it comes to work, I can't compromise in the name of friendship.

What I'm saying is - you tend to know your [close] friends, so it's a good idea to start a business, but make a rule at the beginning - "When it comes to business, we are NOT friends, and I will voice my mind perfectly, because my life is at stake here", and maybe accept the fact that if the other person can't separate business and friendship, then your friendship may end up on the burner.

My personal story

It was a "mini" project in my second semester. I was more interested than my friends in making it the best project (among the rest), but they didn't share my enthusiasm (due to various reasons, incl. interest in the area of systems/OS programming).

I initially resented them, but then realised that we were good at being friends and working on certain things together (like hanging out and solving textbook problems), but a project (in systems) wasn't one of them, and that's fine.

I still love them and we're great friends; I just don't partner with them on projects as their goals/habits are different from mine.

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smeetsmeister profile image
Jelle Smeets

I cannot agree more Tarun! thanks for sharing your story.