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Ask HN: Close to launch, yet all I can think about is getting out

I'm nearing launch on a startup I've been working on for a few months together with my partner, yet all I can think of is getting out. 3 things bother me. First, the thought of having to exclusively commit myself to this after launch. Second, being the only one with tech skills, meaning that I get to do even the most basic technical work like creating landing pages. Third: I strongly believe in underselling and overdelivering, which is hard to do when 1/2 of the team only has sales skills. Any thoughts? Similar experiences?

revorad 15y ago
What's your alternative?
- sunshinecraving 15y ago
  I'm pretty sure I can build a less ambitious 'lifestyle business' around mobile apps. I guess the choice between small app vs. big dream is at the core of my internal conflict.
  - revorad 15y ago
    Unless you're looking for funding from the get go, don't pigeonhole yourself into "lifestyle" or "ambitious". Just build your apps and always be on the look out for the big business opportunities. Beware of premature optimisation. Dreams are scalable too.
jumper5 15y ago
Wow! This is exactly where I'm. Another obvious problem in this scenario is that we do NOT have anyone smarter than us (technically speaking), which hampers our personal growth and ends up rusting us in longer run. However, the bigger issue that I'm facing is that there's no one immediate to critic my work and provide feedback. However, I've decided stay because I don't feel comfortable ditching in the middle without someone around to take care of things, and send the startup into a mess. I'm desperately looking to hire someone smarter than me and I suggest you do the same. Or just leave, if you feel strongly about it. Your career matters too.
abbasmehdi 15y ago
That is startups, you have to clean toilets too. Your second and third reasons a short term, think about the future when you attain profitability and what kind of people you can surrounded yourself with then. The first reason is common, and I am thinking why do it half assed? Commit fully but with a deadline and milestones. A common theme in your issues is you seem to ignore the "time" domain.
bigsassy 15y ago
Launch first before you consider any rash decisions. Your perspective will change quite a bit. It could be for the better or worse, but you will almost certainly see this venture differently than you do now.

revorad 15y ago

What's your alternative?

sunshinecraving 15y ago
I'm pretty sure I can build a less ambitious 'lifestyle business' around mobile apps. I guess the choice between small app vs. big dream is at the core of my internal conflict.
- revorad 15y ago
  Unless you're looking for funding from the get go, don't pigeonhole yourself into "lifestyle" or "ambitious". Just build your apps and always be on the look out for the big business opportunities. Beware of premature optimisation. Dreams are scalable too.

jumper5 15y ago

Wow! This is exactly where I'm. Another obvious problem in this scenario is that we do NOT have anyone smarter than us (technically speaking), which hampers our personal growth and ends up rusting us in longer run. However, the bigger issue that I'm facing is that there's no one immediate to critic my work and provide feedback. However, I've decided stay because I don't feel comfortable ditching in the middle without someone around to take care of things, and send the startup into a mess. I'm desperately looking to hire someone smarter than me and I suggest you do the same. Or just leave, if you feel strongly about it. Your career matters too.

abbasmehdi 15y ago

That is startups, you have to clean toilets too. Your second and third reasons a short term, think about the future when you attain profitability and what kind of people you can surrounded yourself with then. The first reason is common, and I am thinking why do it half assed? Commit fully but with a deadline and milestones. A common theme in your issues is you seem to ignore the "time" domain.

bigsassy 15y ago

Launch first before you consider any rash decisions. Your perspective will change quite a bit. It could be for the better or worse, but you will almost certainly see this venture differently than you do now.