DarwinApps • 10 observations: leaving your job to go create something awesome

For the last 2-3 years, I’ve been growing the team at DarwinApps. Most of that time, I still had a full time job. That wasn’t by choice — I simply didn’t come from wealth, and while there are other solutions to “not coming from wealth”. this approach is what made the most sense for the team and me.

On October 12th, 2012 I left my “dream job” of sorts at the US HQ of a major german luxury auto brand (I’m a car nut). On october 23rd, 2012 I booked a one-way flight to SF, where our VP of Product, Andy, had an office ready for us. Andy, and our Creative Director, Alex, (and his super supportive GF) have both taken similar risks in the last few months to join the rest of the team full time (Thankssss, you guys).

This is not fact, the below is simply a blend of my opinions and observations —

• Your time is your most precious resource. If your team’s hourly rate is $150/hr, that’s what they’re worth. Don’t skimp on them or on yourself. That $100 savings isn’t worth it if two team members each waste 30 minutes (you’ve effectively lost 50$).
• You will constantly worry about finances— more than you ever did, and that doesn’t get better as more money comes in. “Mo’ money mo’ problems” is true, but “less money, mo’ problems” is just as true. Just don’t expect to stop worrying about this piece any time soon (or ever?).
• Your parents will doubt you, even if they support you. That’s ok. Your parents love you and want what’s best for you. In their logical minds, leaving a good job isn’t a good idea. You know what’s best for you, so just thank them for the concern and proceed building your business with conviction. No one else will worry (or care) about you as much as they do.
• Deals you expect to close will fall through. Don’t let your business ride on any one client or project — no one owes you anything until a contract is signed. That being said, deals you don’t expect to happen will happen.
• Everyone will question your decisions. Your team members, mentors, partners — everyone. They’re in their full rights and it’s perfectly human to want to know the reasoning behind a decision or the cause behind a result, a few derivates back. Don’t take this as doubt, take it as logical curiosity. If it’s the right decision, you shouldn’t have any problem filling in the “why” part of it all.
• You will feel guilty about things you did not expect to feel guilty about — things that have nothing to do with your business. Your aging grandfather that you didn’t spend enough time with, your dog that unexpectedly died as soon as you took the plunge — these are all things that you may feel guilty about, because you’ve transitioned your time and your focus to your business. You’re human. Walk it off and go make them proud.
• Romantic relationships will be difficult to maintain. This one may be more personal, and unique to each situation — but I believe all quality CEOs possess a lot of empathy, a lot of logic, and not a lot of time. If you know that you can’t give a significant other the time and focus that they deserve, you probably shouldn’t be wasting their time or heart in the first place.
• There is nothing else you would rather be doing. Give enough time for the fog of change, worry, and responsibility to clear and ask yourself: “Would I rather go back to my old job, and tell my team to pack up and do the same”? If you even get to the end of that sentence, go back to your old job. I don’t get anywhere close and doubt you will either.
• You will also learn that you don’t necessarily have to write a list of “10 observations” just to please the status-quo, but the title sounds better. “Fluff” is nonsense. If you’re in the web industry though, you will learn that “10 observations..” is more click-friendly than “8 observations…” :)

Life’s too short not to follow your dreams. If the slightest window of opportunity opens, or you can pry one open: jump.

If you’re young, capable, and there are ways to relieve yourself of (non-professional) responsibility: go create something. Worst case: you go back to your shitty awesome job that you came from, or somewhere that pays you 25% more than your old salary, because of what you learned about the world while taking that plunge.

I’d hate to see any talent live the life of a cog. If you have any questions, or think that I can help in any way, please reach out to me (twitter or email).