If you're launching a startup so that you can get a paycheck, something's wrong. [edit] My point is: While health insurance may be a barrier, a paycheck should

If you're launching a startup so that you can get a paycheck, something's wrong. [edit] My point is: While health insurance may be a barrier, a paycheck should not be. [edit2] I'll definitely explain; I apologize that it wasn't clear. I'm not trying to argue that a paycheck couldn't be a barrier to launching a startup; I'm arguing that it shouldn't be one. Requiring a paycheck translates to requiring job security, and a startup is not necessarily the path to take if that's the case. In contrast, health insurance cannot be helped as a barrier to launching as, paycheck or not, a lack of health insurance can completely ruin you in the event of an accident, which you cannot control. People flock to the Valley where money is easier to come by not because they need a paycheck personally, but because it's easier to fund your startup. I'm not even saying that, at this point, you shouldn't cut yourself a small check to live off of. Being able to pay yourself is an awesome goal, and something that everyone should look forward to. However, if you require job security (which many do), then it would likely be to your benefit to get to a point in your life where that's not a barrier before launching. And cosgroveb, if you're suggesting that I only believe those born into money can be successful founders, you're simply incorrect. Anyone from any socioeconomic background has the ultimate ability to launch a startup. No one is questioning that. The actual question, though, is when should you launch a startup?