What no one tells you about working at a startup

Summary

Working at a startup can seem glamorous, but it comes with unique challenges. The speaker, an early employee at Notion, shares their journey through various phases: the initial excitement, the pressure cooker environment, and the evolving roles as the company scales. They emphasize the importance of finding opportunities in chaos, managing burnout, and celebrating small wins. Additionally, the speaker advises maintaining emotional balance and reflection throughout this dynamic experience, offering a realistic perspective for those considering a startup career.

Takeaways

• 🌟 Startups are often glamorized, but the reality includes significant challenges and uncertainties.
• 🎉 The initial excitement of joining a startup can quickly give way to confusion as job roles evolve rapidly.
• 🎩 Wearing many hats in a startup can provide diverse experiences but may lead to feelings of overwhelm and lack of direction.
• 🔍 Finding opportunities amid chaos is essential for navigating the early stages of startup life.
• 🔥 The startup environment can feel like a pressure cooker, creating urgency to perform and risking burnout.
• 🍕 Company perks can encourage overworking, so it's vital to set boundaries to maintain work-life balance.
• 🥳 Celebrating small wins along the way helps maintain motivation and enjoyment of the journey.
• 🧩 'Giving away your legos' is crucial as the company scales, allowing you to delegate and focus on new challenges.
• 📖 Keeping a work diary can help track emotions and experiences, providing perspective during challenging times.
• 😌 The three Rs—Regulate, Reflect, and Relax—are key strategies for managing the emotional ups and downs of startup life.

Q & A

What common misconceptions exist about working at a startup?

Working at a startup is often glamorized, leading to unrealistic expectations about the experience. Many people overlook the challenges, including rapid changes in roles, lack of mentorship, and potential burnout.

What was the speaker's role at Notion?

The speaker was an early employee at Notion, starting as a community team member and later becoming a program manager working on the API and self-serve team.

How does the honeymoon phase manifest in startups?

The honeymoon phase involves excitement and enthusiasm when joining a new company, characterized by new experiences and relationships. However, it often shifts to confusion as the realities of the job differ from initial expectations.

What are the pros and cons of wearing many hats in a startup?

The pros include gaining diverse experience and exploring different functions, which can be beneficial for early-career professionals. The cons involve feeling overwhelmed and questioning one's effectiveness due to the lack of direction and support.

What advice does the speaker give to avoid burnout in a startup environment?

The speaker advises setting boundaries and maintaining a balance between work and personal life, despite the allure of startup perks that may encourage long working hours.

How can employees find opportunities within the chaos of a startup?

Employees can identify and seize opportunities by actively engaging with their managers or colleagues to discuss projects and challenges that need addressing, thus taking ownership and making an impact.

What does the 'pressure cooker' phase refer to?

The 'pressure cooker' phase describes the intense environment in a hyper-growth company where employees feel the urgency to prove themselves and make an impact, which can easily lead to burnout.

How does scaling affect an employee's role in a startup?

As a startup scales, employees may find their roles changing rapidly, often requiring them to delegate tasks and responsibilities, which can lead to discomfort but is essential for personal growth.

What are the three Rs the speaker mentions for managing the startup experience?

The three Rs are: 1) Regulate your emotions to manage ups and downs; 2) Reflect on experiences by keeping a work diary; and 3) Relax, reminding yourself to enjoy the journey and not take work too seriously.

What should individuals consider before joining a startup?

Individuals should weigh the need for mentorship and structure against the desire for flexibility and ownership. Understanding that the startup environment can be chaotic and demanding is crucial for setting realistic expectations.