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This is one of the areas where I think PG has it completely wrong. Sure if you're a 20-something with no kids/life and only care about your startup, you can co

This is one of the areas where I think PG has it completely wrong. Sure if you're a 20-something with no kids/life and only care about your startup, you can code 24/7. But many of us don't fit into this stereotypical startup-founder box that PG and others have created. Some of us have kids, some have partners, some have ... a life! Does PG really want a bunch of code obsessed, single minded founders with no hobbies or life outside of their startup? I can't imagine he does, and as a result he should revise some of his advice. If PG is looking to make a quick buck, churn and burn founders than it all makes sense. But if PG is looking to help founders build sustainable businesses, he should be telling them to clock out, and open your eyes to the world (and people) around you.

web007 12y ago
"Does PG really want a bunch of code obsessed, single minded founders with no hobbies or life outside of their startup?" Yes. He wants his startups to work, eat, exercise and sleep. http://adii.me/broken-idols/ http://adii.me/broken-idols/
- josefresco 12y ago
  Great article, especially love the closing line "Just because something is being endorsed by our idols, doesn't make it ideal." Makes me think of other idols with personal or business traits that are widely lauded but would cause many to ultimately fail.
smileysteve 12y ago
> . Sure if you're a 20-something with no kids/life and only care about your startup, you can code 24/7. Disproven by https://medium.com/i-m-h-o/e092ee0b79b7 https://medium.com/i-m-h-o/e092ee0b79b7 If anything, a 20 something is more likely to drive their body and their product in the drastic wrong direction, than somebody older, wiser.
- josefresco 12y ago
  I didn't say it was the "right" thing to do, only that 20-somethigns can do it because of their current lifestyle. The post referenced in your comment is basically a guy who realized that while he can operate in this way, he shouldn't. Even if you're fresh out of school and have no kids, job, or friends that you care to spend time with, you probably shouldn't be coding 80 hours a week, even if your body and lifestyle permits it.
LunchDog 12y ago
"Enjoy youself, enjoy yourself, it's later than you think." Live each day as if its your last; do the things you won't regret. If you die tomorrow, was all your hard work at the 24-7 startup worth it? Or did you get to spend as much time with your family as you could?

web007 12y ago

"Does PG really want a bunch of code obsessed, single minded founders with no hobbies or life outside of their startup?" Yes. He wants his startups to work, eat, exercise and sleep. http://adii.me/broken-idols/ http://adii.me/broken-idols/

josefresco 12y ago
Great article, especially love the closing line "Just because something is being endorsed by our idols, doesn't make it ideal." Makes me think of other idols with personal or business traits that are widely lauded but would cause many to ultimately fail.

smileysteve 12y ago

> . Sure if you're a 20-something with no kids/life and only care about your startup, you can code 24/7. Disproven by https://medium.com/i-m-h-o/e092ee0b79b7 https://medium.com/i-m-h-o/e092ee0b79b7 If anything, a 20 something is more likely to drive their body and their product in the drastic wrong direction, than somebody older, wiser.

josefresco 12y ago
I didn't say it was the "right" thing to do, only that 20-somethigns can do it because of their current lifestyle. The post referenced in your comment is basically a guy who realized that while he can operate in this way, he shouldn't. Even if you're fresh out of school and have no kids, job, or friends that you care to spend time with, you probably shouldn't be coding 80 hours a week, even if your body and lifestyle permits it.

LunchDog 12y ago

"Enjoy youself, enjoy yourself, it's later than you think." Live each day as if its your last; do the things you won't regret. If you die tomorrow, was all your hard work at the 24-7 startup worth it? Or did you get to spend as much time with your family as you could?