A startup business is supposed to make money. Don't get caught up in the "oh, we'll worry about revenues later" nonsense.

If you have no idea how your startup will make money, get the job at Apple.

This is just an assumption but I assume you applied for the job at Apple and must have had some sort of interview to know that its a high paying gig. If you've gone that far, coupled with what others have already echoed, Apple should be the right choice for you.

Yes, this is not a hypothetical.

But am I wasting my "entrepreneurial skills" by going for work for a large company, even if it's called Apple?

Being an entrepreneur is more than a set of "skills". If you have to ask, you should be working for Apple. There shouldn't be any doubt and this post wouldn't exist otherwise. Having said that, there is something to be said in regards to "a time to learn and a time to earn". You sound like your in a phase in your life where you still have a lot to learn and a lot to make up in your mind. Pursue entrepreneurship when its the only thing in your thoughts and you aim to take it head on without a doubt. Currently, that's not the case.

Learning is one of the biggest parts of an entrepreneur's "skills," so there's no reason you can't utilize that at Apple.

Because you said "no income in sight", and it is a "high-paying job" I would say go work for Apple. That way you will

1) Get more experience, that will prove valuable if you ever found another startup

2) Broaden your connections and networking. That is extremely valuable if you found a startup later.

3) Save some cash with your "high-paying job" so that later it would be safer for you to pursue your enterpreneur dreams.

Yes, that would mean delaying your dream of becoming an enterpreneur and startup owner, but not necessarily give it up completely, and it has advantages if you can delay your gratification...

I went through a very similar stage like this over the past summer. I was trying to boot strap a number of startups that ultimately didnt pan out, and I was finally working on one that was making some income (but still ramen status). Around June, I was offered a job working with a VC firm, which I ultimately took. So far, I think I have made the right decision. While this is also an "all-in" position, I have found that the few free moments I have can be used to think clearly on my next ventures I plan to build. Dont underestimate the stress that will evaporate when you have steady income.

As you are asking the question I'm assuming you'd like to work for Apple.

My basis is that you've mentioned nothing about the company you are looking to start.

What info should I add about the startup I'm working on right now? It's one of those Web 2.0 projects, hard to tell if it will ever make money. It's kind of cool, has a few users, needs a lot of work to grow it seriously and attract real funding.

Not a hacker by any means, but I think any entrepreneur should have the same qualities.

If you are even asking this question, especially for others to decide for you, you should just take the Apple job.

The start-up will only be a success if you KNOW it will. You cant be predisposed to having any doubts. You seem to lack the confidence and determination required to be an entrepreneur. I'm sorry if it seems I am being harsh, but it takes more than an idea to become successful with something like this.

I have been eating ramen noodles for two years, so the determination certainly was there. Would you spend 5 years of your life on ramen? When is enough, enough?

Work for Apple, learn a lot. Nothing says you can't leave Apple later and pursue something.