Jumping into a startup is like skydiving without a parachute while juggling flaming chainsaws – it’s thrilling, terrifying, and downright hilarious. So I wanted to share the way I worked these juggling flaming chainsaws. Ready?
Organized Chaos
Ever played Jenga in an earthquake? Welcome to the disorganization of startups! If you can laugh at the madness, you’re halfway there. What did I do to manage this?
Communicate like a psychic: Read minds and over-communicate to avoid missteps. I did not do it well, to be honest, initially. But over the period, I learned that communication is super crucial. Even if something feels extremely obvious, communicate.
Be more flexible than a contortionist: Adapt to constant changes, and you’ll be golden. Some days you will write user stories; on the other day, you will answer customer calls. It’s all part of the fun.
Change: The Only Constant
Working at a startup is like riding a rollercoaster with a blindfold on – it’s a whirlwind of twists and turns, and you never know what’s coming next. What can you do about it?
Embrace change like it’s your long-lost twin. There’s no other way. I loved the change. So much so that most of the time, I was the one making the change… request. (if you know what I mean ;)).
Stay informed to avoid getting blindsided by the next big pivot. Talk to people, in and out of the company. New regulation is coming? Change. New competitor is coming? Change. New funding is coming? Party!!!!!
Gut Feeling or Gas?
Decision-making in a startup can feel like playing “pin the tail on the donkey” – you’re blindfolded and hoping for the best. So how do you trust your gut?
Believe in your instincts, even if they lead you to a wall. Most of the time, it will. But there would always be that one time that it would take you to the moon. Aim for that.
Learn from your mishaps and refine your gut-o-meter. Mistakes are expensive, as well as learning opportunities. So make plenty of mistakes. Just don’t repeat them. Take notes so you know how to improve things later on.
When Things Break (and They Will)
If startups had a mascot, it would be a lovable but accident-prone puppy – cute, energetic, and constantly making messes like launching an app where login does not work. Funny, eh?
What can you do about it? Channel your inner MacGyver: get creative with solutions. Be ready to fix things when they break, because they will.
Learn from your failures and turn them into epic comeback stories. Just like me right now. 😀
Pressure Cooker (A very expensive one)
A startup’s pressure to succeed can feel like you’re trapped in a submarine with a leak – it’s intense, but also exhilarating, so to speak. It will break you down. It’s not the easiest of cookers.
How do you stay afloat? Treat self-care like it’s your lifeline. Try meditation or go for trips often. Go out with your colleagues on joint breaks. 🤨 Sleep.
Too much fun
Finding the balance between work and fun at a startup can feel like walking a tightrope while juggling – it’s a delicate act!
How do you balance it? You don’t. You have the maximum amount of fun. We all play sports, party as often as we can, and sing so loud that the disc below us could be put to shame. Enjoy!
Navigating the hilarious chaos of startup life is like starring in your sitcom – it’s filled with unexpected plot twists, lovable characters, and plenty of laughter. Embrace the madness, learn from the challenges, and enjoy the ride – after all, life’s too short not to have a few laughs along the way!
