What My Life Is Like After Running A Successful Business For 7 Years

Summary

In this video, the speaker reflects on seven years of running their business, AlgoExpert, which helps software engineers prepare for technical interviews. They discuss the evolution from working tirelessly during the early years to now having greater time and freedom as the business operates more independently. While they appreciate the benefits of flexibility and autonomy, they also note challenges such as maintaining discipline and dealing with unexpected boredom. The speaker emphasizes the importance of health, discipline, and self-reflection in managing both business success and personal well-being.

Takeaways

• 🌅 The video is filmed in a new location in Punta Mita, Mexico, with a beautiful sunset in the background.
• 💼 The creator has been running a business called Algo Expert since 2017, helping software engineers prepare for technical interviews.
• 💻 In the early years, the creator worked tirelessly, balancing a full-time job at Google and Facebook while building the business.
• 🚀 The business has grown significantly over the past seven years, reaching a stage where it is almost self-operational and on autopilot.
• ⏳ Over the last two years, the creator has gained significant time and freedom due to the business's maturity, leading to more personal time.
• 😌 The creator discusses the paradox of freedom: while there is no longer a boss, they feel 'chained' to the business and its responsibilities.
• 🛌 With more free time, the creator has struggled with maintaining discipline, experiencing challenges like irregular sleep and diet habits.
• 😔 Unlimited freedom has also led to unexpected boredom, despite having the ability to do anything with their time.
• 🧘 The creator emphasizes the importance of maintaining health—physical, mental, and emotional—now that they have the freedom to focus on it.
• 👫 The creator mentions the support system provided by their girlfriend, who helps maintain discipline and a healthy lifestyle.

Q & A

What is the purpose of the video?

The purpose of the video is to share the creator's personal experiences and reflections on running their business, AlgoExpert, for seven years. They discuss the changes in their life and business over this period, as well as the pros and cons of having more time and freedom now.

What is AlgoExpert and what does it do?

AlgoExpert is a company that helps software engineers prepare for technical interviews. It provides resources and tools to support individuals in their preparation process.

How has the creator's life changed since starting AlgoExpert?

Initially, the creator was working non-stop, balancing a full-time job and the startup. After the business grew, they left their full-time job and focused entirely on AlgoExpert. Over the past two years, as the business reached maturity, they gained more time and freedom, resulting in a significant change in lifestyle.

What are the pros of having a successful business as described by the creator?

The main pros are having a lot of time and freedom. The business now operates almost on autopilot, allowing the creator to enjoy flexibility and the ability to do what they want without having to ask for permission or feel guilty.

What are some of the cons associated with this newfound freedom?

The cons include a loss of discipline and the need for self-regulation. Without structured obligations, it can be challenging to maintain discipline, leading to issues like irregular sleep patterns. Additionally, boredom can set in as the initial excitement of unlimited free time fades.

How did the creator's work habits change over the years?

During the first few years, the creator worked non-stop, often sacrificing sleep and personal time. After leaving full-time employment and focusing solely on AlgoExpert, they continued to work intensely for several more years. Recently, with the business running more smoothly, they have shifted to a more balanced lifestyle with more personal time.

What advice does the creator give to those aspiring to run their own business?

The creator advises aspiring business owners to be aware of the challenges that come with having a lot of time and freedom, such as maintaining self-discipline and avoiding boredom. They also emphasize the importance of not sacrificing too much health in pursuit of success, as regaining lost health is difficult.

How has the creator been utilizing their newfound time and freedom?

The creator has been focusing on improving their health, including physical fitness and diet. They have been more consistent with going to the gym and maintaining a healthy lifestyle, which they previously sacrificed during the intense early years of building the business.

What challenges did the creator face when transitioning to a life with more freedom?

The creator faced challenges in adjusting to having more time, including feelings of guilt and a struggle to find new purpose and meaning in life. They had to train themselves not to feel guilty about taking vacations or enjoying their freedom, and they are still exploring ways to fill their time meaningfully.

What are some tips the creator suggests for maintaining health while running a business?

The creator suggests not sacrificing too much health for the sake of the business. They recommend maintaining a healthy work-life balance, focusing on good sleep, diet, and regular exercise, and not neglecting personal well-being even during the busiest times.