Stories

Depressed, fatigued and unsure about being a startup founder

AAnonymous ·October 11, 2014 ·10 answers

At the age of 16 I hacked my way of out of high school, literally and figuratively, in search for answers. I built software that has sold in over 50 countries. I’m 21 now and I’ve already seen more in my short life span that someone should be able to see in their entire life. Both life threatening risk, traumatizing experiences, and massive rewards. After I quit hacking, I studied and learned everything about the startup industry. I’ve even gotten the attention of some of the most influential investors in the industry.

There was too many opportunities. Ideas and life changing choices everyday.

I had to step back and question why I am on this earth and what I should do with my life.

I am beginning to feel as though I’m nearing my lowest. Depressed. Fatigued. With all that I know and seen about the startup industry, I continually ask myself if I even want to spend my life building a startup. If that’s even worth the miniscule amount of time that I have on this earth. What would I get out of it? Daily stress and sitting in front of a computer everyday? Pride and reputation? Money? I already have freedom of not having to work … Is this really how I want to spend the rest of my life?!?? How is that at all fulfilling??

I love piano more than anything in this world — that I know. I think I’ll just spend the rest of my years on this earth sharing the joys of this magnificent instrument with others. Maybe not connecting with as many people as I would otherwise, but definitely more deeply than anything else. Bringing joy to their lives through the powerful and masterful instrument that the piano is.

What do you think about this choice?

10 answers from the community

AAnonymous· Oct 12, 2014

There's an old saying: Do what you love and the money will follow.In your case.I would take this advice. Youtube Elton John. Good luck

AAnonymous· Oct 12, 2014

I think your problem is that you've never gotten the chance to be a kid and goof off. You've basically been assuming the role of an adult since the age of 16 and now as a 21 year old you're burned out.

Most people your age are in college and busy partying and having fun with their youthful years. I think you should take a break and travel/party for a few years at least so that you won't have any regrets about sacrificing your youth just to make money.

You shouldn't try to start another company until you're at least 25. Seriously, there's a big world out there that has nothing to do with Silicon Valley and the startup ecosystem in general.

After all, what good is money if you don't get to enjoy it? Go out, have fun, spend some of that money you've earned, and after a few years have passed and you've acquired more wisdom, then you'll know what the next step in life should be for you, whether that's music, or making another startup or whatever.

It's your life, don't try to do what you believe other people expect of you. Just do what you want and you'll be able to die a happy person.

AAnonymous· Oct 12, 2014

Wow, I think you are spot on. I agree with you very much and have actually been planning a trip to a different country for the last few months. Because like you pointed out, I do really feel that I need to have fun and be a kid again. I am really eager to get out of this country and explore. I will take your advice and wait till I'm 25 to decide, maybe even sooner! :)

Thanks again.

AAnonymous· Oct 12, 2014

No problem. Have fun! You've definitely earned it. No more stress; just be a kid and explore what this world has to offer. You have 50+ years to decide what you want to do with the rest of your life.

The one thing you can't get back though is your youth, so have fun while you're still young because doing the whole partying and goofing off thing is only acceptable up to a certain age.

Most people would find a 40+ year old doing that kind of childish, but as a 21 year old you're at the perfect age to do that.

AAnonymous· Oct 12, 2014

Great advice.

Though I would add you need to get the balance between having fun and blowing all your cash. Also, make a habit of keeping on top of your skills ( in a fun way) so you don't struggle coming back and the world had moved on ;-)

AAnonymous· Oct 13, 2014

Definitly , goof off for a while, woo women and such.

After a year of goofing relaunch.

@kaffegeek

AAnonymous· Oct 14, 2014

Dear depressed, fatigued and unsure,

I understand how confusing it can be to burn out so young. You've accomplished so much in so little time and that can sometimes feel like a strange curse because you don't know where to go next and it might feel like everyone is expecting the next big thing from you.

I think there are a couple of things you might want to consider doing and they are all pretty scary (in an exciting way) and very far away from the start-up industry- where nobody will care about your business. Below is my suggestion list:

you say you love music and the piano, work on it seriously at a conservatory
go to university for 4 years and study music, ethnomusicology or composition
travel in a serious and meaningful way, for example, have you ever lived in other countries? I mean lived a life somewhere new for over a year.
learn a new language
take up a new sport
volunteer for something
join a young philanthropy network (http://www.thelifeyoucansave.org)
go outside
see some art
-eat delicious food

You've done good. But you are still so young that there is NO WAY you have done everything- nobody has done everything. And moreover, you don't have to decide what to do for the rest of your life. Not even for the next year. Enjoy your piano and do things that excite you for the next year. If you really need an organised target get a scuba diving license or something. Enjoy being 21!!!

You've done good. You'll do good again.

AAnonymous· Oct 14, 2014

Thanks for your kind reply. You seem like a really nice person and mentioned some good options that I began looking into more deeply. So thanks again. Previously I have been looking on the volunteer match website on and off for a couple months, but haven't fell through with any volunteering yet. I ended up deciding that I will definitely volunteer with piano after I am better suited with it. So I am going to continue taking piano more seriously and travel in the meantime. After I get things out of my system and experience life, then ill likely want to get back in the game again / get my hands dirty. With that being said, I don't think I will ever give up piano / volunteering, at least on the side.

AAnonymous· Nov 27, 2014

If you're still fiscally stable, but stressed by life, consider giving back in some way;

perhaps mentoring at a school;

pulling a Billy Joel & <em>being</em> Mr. Piano Man at a bar... heck, want to be silly?

Go to a mall that's too empty & lease a spot- you can afford walk-away negotiations (& leave your price & # on a unsigned contract).

Or goto a store that's lacking customers. Get a free piano off CL, then.... =)

AAnonymous· May 26, 2015

Ciao!

I hope it all worked out for you since you wrote. I am following up on some stories on this website and yours caught my attention because of your love for piano and the desire to connect with your other sense and find new experiences.

All the best.

CONNECTING PEOPLE,MOVING FORWARD.

Depressed, fatigued and unsure about being a startup founder

10 answers from the community

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