Re:When It Comes To Founding Successful Startups, Old Guys Rule
by krschultz on Monday September 07, 2009 @05:28PM
(#809787)
A large part of the difference is the problem they are solving.
A lot of people tell you to "Scratch an Itch". When you are 40 and have had 15+ years at companies, you have encountered many problems that were entirely unknown to you as at college graduation.
Add in more technical & business experiance, connections, and personal capital and it is not really that surprising when you think about it.
The only thing I see in favor of the young guys is the lower cost of living without a family, and being able to work more hours. If you save and don't tie yourself up in expensive cars and homes, it is just as easy to do at 40 as 20. Maybe easier if you now have a wife or husband with a solid income. The hours difference is not that big of a deal compared to experience. Working smarter is more valuable than working harder.
I don't see why a lot of people on HN are so quick to say that one programmer can be considerably quicker than another with the right tools and talent, yet give no equal respect to the greater abilities of a business experienced founder vs a fresh out of school founder.
A lot of people tell you to "Scratch an Itch". When you are 40 and have had 15+ years at companies, you have encountered many problems that were entirely unknown to you as at college graduation.
Add in more technical & business experiance, connections, and personal capital and it is not really that surprising when you think about it.
The only thing I see in favor of the young guys is the lower cost of living without a family, and being able to work more hours. If you save and don't tie yourself up in expensive cars and homes, it is just as easy to do at 40 as 20. Maybe easier if you now have a wife or husband with a solid income. The hours difference is not that big of a deal compared to experience. Working smarter is more valuable than working harder.
I don't see why a lot of people on HN are so quick to say that one programmer can be considerably quicker than another with the right tools and talent, yet give no equal respect to the greater abilities of a business experienced founder vs a fresh out of school founder.