Re:Ask HN: Go all in on startup idea, or stay W2
by Mnexium on Wednesday May 20, 2026 @07:52AM
(#48206254)
I am naturally extremely conservative. Part of the dilemma is maybe seek promotions at work or stay at same level and build side project.
I think doing something like this is very much high risk/high reward. Part of the challenge (albeit a good one) is the salaries are fairly good - so this approaching that is not an overnight thing. From a personal circumstance side of things there is also that opportunity cost.
"Don't quit your W2 until you get some real traction on it." I think this is probably the best path.
The idea of abandoning the 9 to 5 job to strike out on your own can be strong. There are many stories where a solo entrepreneur or small startup team did just that, and are now well off, if not insanely rich.
But the other 90% you never hear about. They work hard to try and get their idea to market, but it never pans out. A myriad of reasons can cause a project to fail, long before it replaces your salary today.
Your personal circumstances along with talent and drive, should play a pivotal role in deciding to make the jump. Unless you have a comfortable amount to savings, I would recommend keeping your day job and working on the side project in your spare time. Don't quit your W2 until you get some real traction on it.