You have essentially 2 options: 1. Coast in the day job and work on your startup. 2. Work during the day and put the startup on hold (or at least, focus less

You have essentially 2 options: 1. Coast in the day job and work on your startup. 2. Work during the day and put the startup on hold (or at least, focus less on it) If you choose to do option 1, you should avoid the first company. You won't be able to coast there and the expectations would be that you are a fully functioning part of their team. If option 2 is the way you choose to go, you'll learn more and probably be more satisfied working for company A. My opinion, given your story is to go for Option 2. You're only 20, have no formal development experience, and have an opportunity to learn a great deal and possibly improve your financial standings. I would take the unpopular opinion that your startup can wait while you invest a little in yourself. Most of your peers are still in school. If you do this, it's likely you'll learn a lot that you'll need to learn at any rate. At least this way you'll discover these things on someone else's dime.