The Joys and Challenges of Being an Employee vs. a Startup Founder

As a startup founder, one often questions whether being an employee would have been a happier or more secure path. This article explores the experiences of two individuals who have navigated both roles and the lessons they learned along the way.

From Founder to Employee: A Personal Transformation

I, a founder of an NGO that empowers youth, have been leading my team for four years. Currently, I am an employee under management. Despite my role change, I am happy with it. My days were filled with hard work, excessive thinking, and wanting to be the 'superman' even when I wasn't feeling well. As a leader, there was no one to guide me since I was at the top of the pyramid.

Now, as an employee, my leader is very supportive, allowing me to seek guidance when needed. It was not like that as a leader, where no one could help me. This change has brought immense joy, and I am optimistic about my future as the next great leader. As Nadiem Makarim said, when entering a new space, one must start as a follower, learn the processes, and wait for the right opportunity to rise.

The Reality of Entrepreneurship vs. Employment

For me, the journey from entrepreneurship to employment began with just six months of experience. Back then, I was an immature engineer who resented taking orders from someone I did not believe was more knowledgeable than myself. This realization led me to work as a contractor at the BBC, which was both the most boring and best-paid contract I had ever had. Now, as an older and more experienced entrepreneur, I occasionally wonder if I would be happier as an employee in charge of a division or leading strategic projects.

Entrepreneurship offers full ownership and upside, but it also comes with a myriad of challenges. Working longer hours,retening discipline, and solving problems alone can be daunting. However, the freedom to make choices and the sense of accomplishment take precedence over these difficulties. In contrast, a stable job with a predictable 40-hour week, security, and worry-free days seems almost like a retreat from the pressures of being a founder.

Freedom and Fulfillment: A Balance of Life

While some days I truly miss the ease of a regular job, these instances are not significant. Yes, it would be easier and less stressful, but the lack of fulfillment would be considerable. Every victory is mine, and every decision I make is up to me. Working is a choice, and not having to answer to anyone is a privilege.

When you become an employee, you sacrifice some freedom for security and some growth potential for structure. You trade responsibility for comfort. Not everyone is ready for entrepreneurship. It demands long, hard days, and it won't be easy, but the freedom and reward make it worthwhile.

In conclusion, the decision to be an employee or a startup founder is deeply personal and depends on individual goals and preferences. While the path to entrepreneurship is fraught with challenges, the sense of accomplishment, freedom, and fulfillment it offers cannot be matched by the stability of a regular job.