I joined a startup founded by a friend (not a very close friend, but still) and worked there for 2 years. Overall it was a very positive experience and I think

I joined a startup founded by a friend (not a very close friend, but still) and worked there for 2 years. Overall it was a very positive experience and I think it strengthened the friendship. I felt like I was able to be way more honest throughout my tenure about what I wanted and how I thought things were going. I’ll also say I did it carefully. I waited until the Series A was raised and joined as the ~50th employee so I was able to get compensation I was happy with and I didn’t come in needing to carry the company. I will say that I would not have done this with a closer friend. Not worth the risk to the friendship.