I second SwellJoe's advices, particular #1 -- "Don't go into debt". During 1999 the pre/post bubble period, I committed 120% into an online game startup with a

I second SwellJoe's advices, particular #1 -- "Don't go into debt". During 1999 the pre/post bubble period, I committed 120% into an online game startup with a few of my friends. Even with a bit of VC funding, the business finally imploded after struggling for about two years. Not a cent of salary was paid during the second year, and since we were all fresh grads with virtually no savings back then. We all had to max out our limited credit lines even while living _very_ frugally (sleeping on my friend's couch and not paying rent, for example). The pressure of debt was suffocating every minute and finally left me life long deep scar both mentally and physically. Besides, under prolonged period of stress, I ultimately started to make crazy decisions, and startup is a fragile organism that can not afford any more mistake. That's why now I only work on my project part-time, even though it's been almost three years with little progress.