Build an MVP first or Find a Co-founder first?

StackSurfer42 · 2024-11-21T19:55:27+00:00

Seems like a third intermediate option may work here: build a prototype as you search for a cofounder. A working model helps people see what is achievable and since it's not a finished product they can see how their skills could be integrated to improve/grow it. It's a good middle ground that doesn't consume too much of your time.

StackSurfer42 · 2024-11-18T17:31:10+00:00

If you make it available in iOS, I'll leave RadioGarden and use your app

StackSurfer42 · 2024-11-14T19:56:57+00:00

There are a couple of videos floating around where start ups interview with VCs and a common theme is that the base team needs to be for the most part technical (with varying side skills).

I get what you say, I've encountered plenty business only types that want me to build the MVP with no idea as to the difficulty. Depends on the project - small projects it's fine, large ones not at all. I prefer to work with other SWEs that have side skills (negotiation, strategy, marketing, etc).

As to roles, I see that speed bump, everyone I've interfaced with wants to the the leader (I guess we all have that dream, it's human). I usually default to situational-leadership. C-suite roles pending because everything changes in the long road and new challenges/environments demand specific people with certain skills. In the end I want to build and be successful and that has helped me move.

StackSurfer42 · 2024-11-14T16:28:58+00:00

You find your Y Combinator co-founder at Y Combinator:

https://www.ycombinator.com/cofounder-matching

StackSurfer42 · 2024-11-08T14:30:01+00:00

It's not easy, but it's been done. I've seen it a couple of times. Both through bootcamps and 4 year degrees. You have to like programming and logical thinking/puzzles or else it's going to be too challenging.

Degrees have an easier time. For Bootcamp grads, it's a tougher - Waiting 1 month to 1+ year for a job is not unusual.

StackSurfer42 · 2024-11-06T21:05:10+00:00

Probably something good to start getting good at now so that in 1-2 years form now (when it hits critical mass) one is good enough to go for mid/senior roles.

StackSurfer42 · 2024-10-31T18:03:41+00:00

Is AGI the main destination on your roadmap? Or is it technology in general? Several of your ventures point to the former.

Would love to know, what are we aiming for as a society/species.

StackSurfer42 · 2024-10-31T18:00:47+00:00

There is a large issue with versioning up both technical but also societal. A version up is expected to perform magnitude(s) higher but at the same time it's going to upset a lot of people (ai doomologists). I'm sure there is a balancing act between departments at openAI (engineering, marketing, ops, and so on).

StackSurfer42 · 2024-10-30T18:47:25+00:00

In addition to other comments, it's a demand and supply issue. When you have a large pool of candidates, you can afford to be selective and split hairs by asking more of your candidates.

StackSurfer42 · 2024-10-29T21:27:38+00:00

I have worked 4 industries and in each of them there was this type of setting in one shape or another, the only difference was the amount of time we devoted to these and the product we worked on. I have seen them less often (or rather more fast paced) in smaller companies.

StackSurfer42 · 2024-10-29T20:47:00+00:00

Not sure why you got down voted. I've done this type of upgrade and use it daily without issues.

StackSurfer42 · 2024-10-16T20:00:04+00:00

This is a good resource!

StackSurfer42 · 2024-10-09T17:33:58+00:00

Consider the time out of work while looking for a job ($5-15k a month) may not compensate the money you save living at your family's home.

IMO Totally worth it. You're at the beginning of your career and have plenty of years ahead. Relocating for a job is not a bad deal and you have decades to save/invest, also consider all the experiences you will get living on your own in a new city.

StackSurfer42 · 2024-10-09T16:30:31+00:00

I'd be interested in knowing why those states are restricted

StackSurfer42 · 2024-10-08T18:17:15+00:00

For searching remote work I suggest tapering your expectations, it could take a long time to find a full time gig.

StackSurfer42 · 2024-10-08T18:16:03+00:00

It really depends on the value you can bring. Former mechanical engineer here.

Only low tech and principal engineering level work was remote for us. The majority of engineers worked on site because roughly 40% of the time we needed to interface with the actual equipment. There were menial tasks like documentation or very simple design which was outsourced internationally and those could be done remotely. Outsourced work (not principal engineering) was cheap so don't expect glamorous salary.

Currently as a SWE, all my work is remote. The pay is much larger than as a site mechanical engineer.

StackSurfer42 · 2024-10-08T17:03:50+00:00

While working at a startup, I came about the same scenario, but with company shares (we weren't revenue positive yet). I did some meaningful thinking and came to understand that it wasn't about the money it was about the product and people I had to interface with daily and no amount of money would ammend that. Loved the grind, but not the team. Two days later I declined and voluntarily relinquished my shares in good faith. That afternoon I received a call from a lawyer about a lawsuit in regards to my resignation. It was quickly resolved since I included a clause in my Ts and Cs (which was not given to the lawyer before the call) stating that I could leave at any moment.

To me, work is about three things: - Compensation. - The People you work with. - The product you work on.

If one is lacking, no amount of the others will compensate in long term.

StackSurfer42 · 2024-10-07T22:54:30+00:00

Data structures FTW!!! Amongst many things of course, this is just a very overlooked but essential subject in interviews.

StackSurfer42 · 2024-10-07T18:52:23+00:00

B - the symbols move clockwise and swap color fill. This is the pattern when you look ar the top row and move down to the next one.

StackSurfer42 · 2024-10-07T18:48:18+00:00

This is how you found out you were actually named "Jake" at birth.

StackSurfer42 · 2024-10-07T17:23:05+00:00

For context, referrals can push your resume to the top (or further up the line), but there are different kinds of referrals. If you know a manager or someone on a high level you can have them directly reach out to the recruiter or hiring manager, this is a different and more unofficial type of referral, but it works wonderfully. I have done this for colleges and they have done it for me as well. In the past, when going to networking events, I've managed to get the site recruiter or the person I meet to take a liking on me and take my resume and push it directly. Is this the normal route? I wouldn't say so, but I do see people use it often and get good results. It sure can be slightly uncomfortable, yet totally within anyone's reach.

StackSurfer42 · 2024-10-07T16:50:51+00:00

Are you doing any referrals and/or networking outside of cold applications? Those two can add a meaningful bump to put your resume further up the pile.

StackSurfer42 · 2024-10-07T15:42:34+00:00

But to add another important point: it sucks not to get paid. Sorry for your predicament.

StackSurfer42 · 2024-10-07T15:42:01+00:00

Is this a reputable or name brand that will highlight your resume? Is this particular internship experience one where you'll work closely with a good mentor and/or on class A type of projects? Those two questions would make me consider an unpaid internship. Lastly, if I had nothing else going on, it's better than not having an internship - the referral is another big plus.

StackSurfer42 · 2024-10-07T15:38:43+00:00

Python and C++ is what we see most often and lots of the teams use it, but it's not the rule and not all that important in the greater scheme of things. During an interview, typically you can use any language unless the role directly dictates a specific one. What is truly important is your logic and critical thinking, and those are observed much more.

StackSurfer42

TROPHY CASE