4 ms·
While I really don't like the framing of the story, it brings up an important point way too many people in the tech and start-up bubble forget: some things are
by kmfrk 13y ago
While I really don't like the framing of the story, it brings up an important point way too many people in the tech and start-up bubble forget: some things are just out of your control, and bad luck is a real thing that happens to good people.
Managing your life and start-up is not something trivially easy you can pin-point with life hacks and inspirational catchphrases. Some people don't manage to achieve something, because they just didn't have the luck of the draw. And we shouldn't blame them for that.
I see this very rambling article as a founder dealing with something innately absurd, and if there is something a self-proclaimed hacker doesn't like, it's a deprivation of control and micromanagement. To some, it's cognitive dissonance at work. And regardless of the tone of the article, I am very grateful that the author chose to deal with this in public.
And don't tell me the American health care system doesn't get in the way of earning a decent living, as an employer and employee. While this article is penned in a way I don't like that much, the tech press need to get out of their bubble and write more articles about how real problems affect real people, some of whom work at start-ups, and that being an entrepreneurs doesn't render you immune to those problems.
It's only a matter of time before someone posts on Medium about "hacking their cancer" or some bullshit, but it'd be great if we took more time to understand that issues like health, health care costs, discrimination, harassment, suicidal ideation, and other problems are things that get in the way, not just of start-ups, but a dignified existence as a human being.
- anigbrowl 13y agoYou raise an important point here. One big unanswered question for me while I was reading this was where the (presumably massive) bills for the oncology/neurosurgery were going, and to what extent their payment depended on the success of the startup. EDIT: sure enough, his insurance company is doing its best not to pay for his radiotherapy: http://ronniecastro.me/well-fuck-you-lifewise-and-fuck-you-cancer/ http://ronniecastro.me/well-fuck-you-lifewise-and-fuck-you-c... All I can say is hang in there :-/
- colmvp 13y ago"And don't tell me the American health care system doesn't get in the way of earning a decent living, as an employer and employee." As a person who has been rejected for having a pre-existing condition, this statement rings true. I need medicine for a condition I was born with, fuck me right?
- kmfrk 13y agoI know someone who can't get coverage due to her psoriasis. It's like she's an un-person the way she's treated. It was also sad that I as a European wonk knew that pre-existing conditions are covered under Obamacare, and she as an American didn't know. Although I don't know how much it'll help her.
- mathgladiator 13y ago> pre-existing conditions are covered under Obamacare As someone with a spouse with a serious life-long "thing": This is why I'm so glad that it's still around. I'm optimistic that once it is in full effect, it will not bring an end to the world so we can pass fuller and better reform.
- bdcravens 13y agoIn the US, you have options. I have Cystic Fibrosis. My state offers a "high risk pool" for those denied. Also, as part of the Affordable Care Act, preexisting condition insurance was made available for a very reasonable price (enrollment was closed after a period of time, however). Next year, all limitations for preexisting conditions are eliminated: (except if you already have an individual plan you pay for, you'd have to get a new one): https://www.healthcare.gov/what-if-i-have-a-pre-existing-health-condition/ https://www.healthcare.gov/what-if-i-have-a-pre-existing-hea...
- thomasfoster96 13y agoHave you heard much about the Disability Care scheme being rolled out here in Australia?
- incision 13y ago>"I need medicine for a condition I was born with, fuck me right?" More like fuck everybody. Insurance companies claim pre-existing as a matter of course and will demand a letter of necessity just to waste time. Insurance is a well-oiled machine optimized to take your money while using every trick in the book to avoid providing anything in return, particularly when it matters most. I say this as a current customer and prior employee of the industry.