Travails of returns - 7th part

Continuing the series on starting business in India. So far, (covered) the business model, initial team, functions, values, the first investors and how to handle mistakes culturally.

Now, we go to the support system.

So, there are 3 personal models that I have seen at work in start-ups, both as a founder or a team member.

First are those who start in their 20s, mostly early. Fresh (or within) from college. Fire in the belly, with literally no responsibility, except doing justice to their own talent. But yes, with less of life toolkit earned, both in knowledge, domain relationships and wealth, it’s a jump straight in the pool. For a calculated mind and increasingly so, in the ecosystem, not a really preferred one.

The other extreme of that are the ones who start in the 40s or beyond, late into their careers. I must be the first to confess that I don’t know much about this stage and I simply assume that raw hunger dwindles post a certain age (though have been proven wrong multiple times).

The middle one in my mind is the one in 30s. Some toolkit earned, both in knowledge and relationships. Some wealth earned, mostly to have paid off liabilities. But not enough to have earned assets. So, there is some pressure and most of the time, its early or imminent parenthood in life. In many minds, this is the best time to jump into new journeys given stage of life, where you are knowledgeable, yet hungry. The one that I, and many like me, chose.

But the one aspect that makes or breaks this juncture is your support system, your family and friends to begin with. They understand you the most and will make sure that your bandwidth is spared, so that you can focus professionally. They will encourage you the most because your dream is even bigger for them than it’s for you. They will be your stress busters, cheer leaders and shoulder (to cry on). They are likely the ones who jump into the journey more than you.

One’s who are blessed with a support system are the ones who really make it. And the ones who are blessed with it are the ones who invest in it, way before jumping in.

Over a period of time, for the lucky ones, their own professional teams at work end up becoming extensions of the support system. That’s when, life is bliss.

@OfBusiness
@Oxyzo
#lifeatofbusiness

Also read:- Travails of Returns – Part 6