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I'm 30, I have 4 kids (the youngest one only being 1 month old) and my startup, Codeable (https://codeable.io https://codeable.io), is only a couple of months f

by tzaman 13y ago

I'm 30, I have 4 kids (the youngest one only being 1 month old) and my startup, Codeable (https://codeable.io https://codeable.io), is only a couple of months from profitability (my gut feeling according to current growth). I still get the stuff done, get to play with my kids and even have some time for hobbies and friends. I think it's all about balance (and an understanding spouse to remind you of priorities every once in a while). I have many friends who don't have kids and always say "the time isn't right for kids". Well guess what, if you keep thinking this way, the time will never be right, it's all about going out of your comfort zone, as you are with being a successful entrepreneur. They also think kids somehow limit you in some way, but to me, it's quite the opposite, they give me new perspective, more determination and of course a ton of laughs!

deleted 13y ago
[deleted]
davidjgraph 13y ago
Amen. The thing I found is they changed my working hours. It used to be all day, every day. This led to important stuff getting pushed back because I had so many hours, I figured I'd get it done at some point soon. 3 children later, it's 8.5 hours on weekdays only. It changed my working practises so that the moment I sit down at the computer it's the top priority task right now and everybody be damned until I need my first long break. I also find myself asking the question when someone is looking for free help/products "do I want to spend time helping this stranger or spend time with my children?" It focuses my attention on the money, but makes you kinda selfish towards your family, in that regard.
- monsterix 13y ago
  Wow. This thread has altered my thinking. I am married and an entrepreneur for the last two years. My wife and I have been putting away expanding the family thing for while, basically waiting for our startup to reach either profitability or a level of funding where I could draw a salary. How did you guys manage the expenses? Were you drawing a salary or had sufficient revenues to support yourself when your wife was off work/due?
  - ars 13y ago
    You don't have to actually wait until after you have all the money you need. It's much easier to have kids when you are young, and as long as you have prospects for income you'll be fine. If you wait till after you are perfectly set it will be too late. Realistically - if your startup failed, could you get a job? If yes, then there is no need to wait, you are set for money.
  - tzaman 13y ago
    There's hardly any expense with one baby, all you need is a stroller and a car seat ($1k combined), you'll get plenty of clothes (as gifts) from relatives and breastfeeding comes free :) So if you and your wife manage now, you'll manage then just fine.
    - nijk 13y ago
      You forgot full time day care or one spouse quitting their job.
    - nijk 13y ago
      You forgot full time day care or one spouse quitting their job. And health insurance.
- NDizzle 13y ago
  This touches on a lot of points I believe in as well. Nothing worthwhile is easy. I have 3 kids, a wife and a dog. I'm involved with two ~3 person start ups and work about 10-11 hours a day, 6 days a week.
dasil003 13y ago
The dead reply to this by davidjgraph appears to be hellbanned, but I don't see any reason why. His previous comments aren't, and his submissions are all clean as well. What's going on?

by tzaman 13y ago

deleted 13y ago

[deleted]

davidjgraph 13y ago

Amen. The thing I found is they changed my working hours. It used to be all day, every day. This led to important stuff getting pushed back because I had so many hours, I figured I'd get it done at some point soon. 3 children later, it's 8.5 hours on weekdays only. It changed my working practises so that the moment I sit down at the computer it's the top priority task right now and everybody be damned until I need my first long break. I also find myself asking the question when someone is looking for free help/products "do I want to spend time helping this stranger or spend time with my children?" It focuses my attention on the money, but makes you kinda selfish towards your family, in that regard.

monsterix 13y ago
Wow. This thread has altered my thinking. I am married and an entrepreneur for the last two years. My wife and I have been putting away expanding the family thing for while, basically waiting for our startup to reach either profitability or a level of funding where I could draw a salary. How did you guys manage the expenses? Were you drawing a salary or had sufficient revenues to support yourself when your wife was off work/due?
- ars 13y ago
  You don't have to actually wait until after you have all the money you need. It's much easier to have kids when you are young, and as long as you have prospects for income you'll be fine. If you wait till after you are perfectly set it will be too late. Realistically - if your startup failed, could you get a job? If yes, then there is no need to wait, you are set for money.
- tzaman 13y ago
  There's hardly any expense with one baby, all you need is a stroller and a car seat ($1k combined), you'll get plenty of clothes (as gifts) from relatives and breastfeeding comes free :) So if you and your wife manage now, you'll manage then just fine.
  - nijk 13y ago
    You forgot full time day care or one spouse quitting their job.
  - nijk 13y ago
    You forgot full time day care or one spouse quitting their job. And health insurance.
NDizzle 13y ago
This touches on a lot of points I believe in as well. Nothing worthwhile is easy. I have 3 kids, a wife and a dog. I'm involved with two ~3 person start ups and work about 10-11 hours a day, 6 days a week.

dasil003 13y ago

The dead reply to this by davidjgraph appears to be hellbanned, but I don't see any reason why. His previous comments aren't, and his submissions are all clean as well. What's going on?