I feel old
I’m not sure how old I am. I lost count. But one thing I do know is that I’ve been in entrepreneurship for 13 years now. It feels as though one year in entrepreneurship will age you a few years. The whole left side of my head is gray. Here’s an interesting experiment- talk to someone the day before they start a company. Then talk to them one year out. Its enough to make you question the French for putting this word into our language. Don’t get me wrong- I love start-ups and I’m glad we have an environment like we do in Silicon Valley. But there’s a reason that most successful entrepreneurs become angels/advisers after a successful run, rather than getting right back in the foxhole. There are exceptions of course. But when I talk with ex-entrepreneurs they have a glowing characterization followed by a “I could never do that again” vibe that reminds me of how people describe college. Sure, living off Ramen noodles and pulling all-nighters is heady, fun and memorable but once you ease out of it into your own place, eat reasonable food, then sharing a bathroom and living on coffee doesn’t sound so great.
