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In general, early employees come from either your social network (not meaning Facebook et al, just people you know) or from like minded people like you might fi

In general, early employees come from either your social network (not meaning Facebook et al, just people you know) or from like minded people like you might find here. For a single employee either your terms need to be good or the person needs to be bought in big time (e.g. basically be a co-founder). Frankly just hiring an engineer isn't a cheap proposition so make sure you are really ready for it. It is possible you are more ready for a part time person or a contractor you can use X hours from monthly. If you hire someone vs contracting them the costs are fairly different, so make sure you have figured that part out too. Payroll taxes, workers compensation, liability insurance etc all add up pretty fast if you hire an "employee" vs use a contractor. Also, don't feel bad for making legitimate posting on social media for a position. You aren't a recruiter spamming everyone you know daily for different positions, you are looking to find someone for your project, and most likely that person will come from your network of contacts.

jakobegger 11y ago
In principle I don't mind sharing my business with a cofounder -- but I just assumed that hiring someone is easier than finding a cofounder. What are the odds that I'll find someone who shares my vision?
- davismwfl 11y ago
  First, it is awesome that you are at the point of even being able to consider which way to go, that is a milestone you should be proud of and super happy you reached. So Congrats! No doubt, hiring is way easier IMO. But it comes down to funds and growth etc. I guess it would also depend where you are at, in the US in most larger cities/areas, a solid mid level developer will be making say anywhere from 70-110k/year. Then take payroll taxes, non health based insurance and the general administration costs that go with managing an employee and all the sudden that person costs you at minimum an additional 15% per year. Adding the first person is the most expensive in my experience, as the cost is incremental after that, at least to a point. There are thresholds that happen though and cause additional administrative functions & costs to come into play etc. For example, crossing 20 employees, crossing 50 etc. As long as you are going into it with open eyes and full awareness, I'd personally hire someone or contract it out on a 1099 which is less overhead and work, saving you cash.

jakobegger 11y ago

In principle I don't mind sharing my business with a cofounder -- but I just assumed that hiring someone is easier than finding a cofounder. What are the odds that I'll find someone who shares my vision?

davismwfl 11y ago
First, it is awesome that you are at the point of even being able to consider which way to go, that is a milestone you should be proud of and super happy you reached. So Congrats! No doubt, hiring is way easier IMO. But it comes down to funds and growth etc. I guess it would also depend where you are at, in the US in most larger cities/areas, a solid mid level developer will be making say anywhere from 70-110k/year. Then take payroll taxes, non health based insurance and the general administration costs that go with managing an employee and all the sudden that person costs you at minimum an additional 15% per year. Adding the first person is the most expensive in my experience, as the cost is incremental after that, at least to a point. There are thresholds that happen though and cause additional administrative functions & costs to come into play etc. For example, crossing 20 employees, crossing 50 etc. As long as you are going into it with open eyes and full awareness, I'd personally hire someone or contract it out on a 1099 which is less overhead and work, saving you cash.