Ask HN: I feel I can no longer trust my gut

[mertleee]

I've done startups most of my 20s.

Currently at a well known accelerator - but I feel like I can't really take the valley seriously anymore.

Nearing 30, I don't have much to show for my one partial startup exit. I feel like I want something more, but idk if it's even in software.

My gut lead me here, not sure where to go next.

A 'normal' job would be nice, but not sure if I can even snag one of those these days with the current market.

I haven't really made significant financial progress in the past two years - but still seem motivated to find something larger.

Any of you experience this? At 30 seems like I should really move on from flash-in-the-pan startups and maybe work on more meaningful things?

[anotherhue]

The last decade or so of startups have mostly been ZIRP phantoms, cookie cutter in most ways. React app, AWS stack, something something like uber but as a service.

There were some great lessons in the earlier days but I think we're well into the hype train now. When people like Neumann and Bankman-Friend are in the peer group, you're probably in the wrong group.

If you're financially flexible (no one to support, etc.) then you can still have a lot of fun as a one-man band, possibly travel somewhere LCOL. Otherwise you might want to consider a corpo job for a while.

[mertleee → anotherhue]

I was able to raise, it's been interesting. But a part of me feels like I just can't take this shit seriously anymore. I'd like to think I just have a real brain and self-respect for thinking this way - or maybe I just suck. Not sure that I actually care, not really that afraid of my 30s if I'm more okay thinking this way.

Frankly, I'd prefer to build / consult in a LCOL area with real seasons.

[WheelsAtLarge]

I found myself in a similar situation at 30. I decided to join a large organization and follow their career path. It was not bad. As long as I did my job as best as possible and ensured it did not take over my life, it worked out fine.

We look at those who start companies and we think we have the same talents and abilities that will help create great companies. The realities are different. Some of us can but most of us can't do it.

I would suggest the same for you. Get a stable job, stabilize your life, and then decide what's best for you. A job is a job. It's not your recreation center. So you're not always going to love it. Also, keep in mind that corporate jobs aren't the great saviors. Do your best to diversify your income. Always have multiple money flows since you never know when one will dry up.

Continuing to do what has not worked out is not the way to move forward.

[babyent]

Unlike you I have never done this before. I’m bootstrapping. It’s been a year and I’m sort of finding my direction now.

I have runway for a couple years after which if I can’t make it work I’ll go back to working full time.

It’s tough and I’m 33. Immigrant so nobody in my family supports me because they have always either worked for govt or someone else.