4 ms·

I tired to create a couple of products while I was still employed. They were not successful but I learned a lot just by deciding to do it. And in the end it

I tired to create a couple of products while I was still employed. They were not successful but I learned a lot just by deciding to do it. And in the end it gave me confidence enough to leave the job and go into consulting with which fortunately I have had success. Any way, whether or not you tell your employee about your startup depends upon how well you know him/her, how comfortable are you with him/her and what your contract says. Can you convince your boss that the duration for which you work in his organization would be as productive as it were before? Can you convince him that you are not just gathering funds just so you can leave and work full time on your own stuff when you are ready? Even if you have the very best of intentions it is hard to convince others of the fact. At least my thinking is that there is no need to say anything to anyone in your organization unless you absolutely need to. During the early stages of your startup I suppose even you are not sure if you can be successful with it. Keep it under the wraps see how far you can go with it and then take a decision.

GFuller 12y ago
Thanks, this is along the lines of what I've been thinking. Although some have said to be upfront with your employer. My current employment is in an unrelated industry. I'm sure nothing good could come from letting my employers know that I'm working on something in my spare time. Especially when I can't be sure what I start will work.
- rolfvandekrol 12y ago
  "Although some have said to be upfront with your employer." Actually, almost all said to be upfront with your employer. And I really advice you to do so too! If you don't dare to tell him (for whatever reason), that's probably a sign of a not so very healthy relationship with your current employer. Most employers (especially in the IT industry) are quite supportive about their employees pursuing their dreams. And they should be.
  - GFuller 12y ago
    I actually agree with everyone saying to be upfront with your employer. But in my own situation I don't think it is required. I work in the oil & gas industry as an engineer but build web apps on the side. My employers simply wouldn't see any real value to them in what I'm doing. Also my contract does not make any claims to ownership of things I build in my own time.
- brickcap 12y ago
  Exactly. What good it will do to either your employer or yourself? Try your ideas out. See if they have any weight. After which assess your situation and have a heart to heart with your employer.

GFuller 12y ago

Thanks, this is along the lines of what I've been thinking. Although some have said to be upfront with your employer. My current employment is in an unrelated industry. I'm sure nothing good could come from letting my employers know that I'm working on something in my spare time. Especially when I can't be sure what I start will work.

rolfvandekrol 12y ago
"Although some have said to be upfront with your employer." Actually, almost all said to be upfront with your employer. And I really advice you to do so too! If you don't dare to tell him (for whatever reason), that's probably a sign of a not so very healthy relationship with your current employer. Most employers (especially in the IT industry) are quite supportive about their employees pursuing their dreams. And they should be.
- GFuller 12y ago
  I actually agree with everyone saying to be upfront with your employer. But in my own situation I don't think it is required. I work in the oil & gas industry as an engineer but build web apps on the side. My employers simply wouldn't see any real value to them in what I'm doing. Also my contract does not make any claims to ownership of things I build in my own time.
brickcap 12y ago
Exactly. What good it will do to either your employer or yourself? Try your ideas out. See if they have any weight. After which assess your situation and have a heart to heart with your employer.