Pros and Cons of working at a startup as a young father

There are certainly pros and cons to working in a startup as a young father. On the one hand, working in a startup can be a great opportunity for personal and professional growth, as well as the chance to be part of a dynamic and fast-paced work environment. On the other hand, it can also be a challenging and demanding experience that may not be suitable for everyone, especially those early in their career of fatherhood.

I was fortunate to discover and join an incredible startup that perfectly aligned with my passions. In this role, I was able to both work as an IC (independent contributor) and take on management responsibilities, contribute to shaping the company culture, and experience the unique benefits of being part of a small team (now numbering 1,000 strong). It has been an incredibly rewarding experience and I look forward to continuing my growth here.

Over the past three years, I've had the opportunity to not only personally experience the pros and cons of working in a startup, but also to learn from the diverse perspectives of many others in the same position. If you're a young man and father considering joining a startup, here's what you need to know before taking the leap.

• Growth: Working at a startup frequently entails receiving a lot of responsibility and the ability to take on new duties and projects. Young fathers who want to improve in their careers may find this to be very helpful since it can result in significant personal and professional growth. I work for a startup where I've moved between three different positions and finally found the perfect fit. I talk more about this in a LI post I did here.
• Flexibility: Many companies allow for flexible work schedules, which can be advantageous for young fathers who must combine work and family obligations. This can entail the choice to work from home, flexible hours, or a part-time schedule. If you live near your office, ask if you can do a split where you go into the office Monday, Thursday, Friday but stay home on Tuesday and Wednesday.
• Creative work environment: For young fathers looking for a more dynamic work environment, startups frequently feature a more laid-back and creative work environment where you can dress more casually.
• Access to brilliance: In a small startup, you will form relationships with important coworkers who will help you gain social capital. The ability to walk over or Zoom the CTO or CMO and ask them a question is something you will not easily have access to at a large company.
• Potential for financial gain: If the startup is successful, there is the potential for financial gain for employees. This could be especially beneficial for young fathers who are trying to provide for their families.
• Work-life balance: Startups can prioritize work-life balance, which can be helpful for young fathers who are trying to balance their work and family first responsibilities. This includes offering flex PTO (paid time off), custom work schedules, and the option to work from home (especially thanks to our post-covid world).

• Risk of failure: Working in a startup means taking on the risk that the company may not be successful. This can lead to job insecurity and financial instability.
• Work-life balance: This is both a pro and con because at certain times during a startups life, you will absolutely work very long hours (if you're working for a successful company that is). Startups are often under pressure to grow and succeed, which can lead to long hours and a high level of stress. This can be particularly challenging for young fathers who have other responsibilities and commitments, such as caring for their kids.
• Limited resources: Startups are often less established and financially secure than larger, more established companies. They may not be able to offer things like health insurance, retirement plans, or other perks. This means that there may be a higher level of risk and uncertainty involved in working for a startup, which may not be suitable for everyone.
• Stressful environment: Startups can be high-pressure environments, which can be stressful for young fathers trying to balance work and family life. They also tend to lack the stability and structure of larger companies, which can be difficult for young fathers who prefer a more predictable work environment. This could include things like job security, regular pay raises, and consistent working hours.
• Lack of structure: Startups often lack the structure and stability of larger companies, which can be difficult for young fathers who prefer a more predictable work environment.

Where to find startups:

• AngelList- angel.co
• Underdog- underdog.io
• Startup Jobs- startup.jobs
• Y Combinator - ycombinator.com/jobs

Overall, working in a startup as a young father can be a rewarding and exciting experience, but it is important to carefully consider the pros and cons before making a decision. It is essential to have a good balance between work and family, and to make sure that the demands of startup work do not negatively impact your family life.

Forming Fathers is here to help build you, young men, up so you can become a great father. Through the sacrifice gifted in fatherhood, you will find the meaning and purpose you want so badly desire. Join the movement, subscribe to the podcast, and let's man up together.