I love this piece. "I thought I was a founder on a startup journey. Turns out, I’m a startup founder on a human journey." Entrepreneurship by nature is a lonely journey, and it's also really personal.
I know a lot of founders have their own version of this story, but very few have the heart, generosity, and candor you've brought to yours.
What really hit me was how clearly you connected the external journey (products, pivots, ARR, acquisition) with the internal one — the burnout, the self-worth, and the realization that "being ready for success" is a completely different thing than simply wanting it.
Also: the way you described bootstrapping as control over your destiny (and therefore the space to heal and rebuild) was really special --- and something I think more founders need to hear.
Thank you for putting words to the parts so many people live through quietly.
Steve, thank you for taking the time to read this piece, and for leaving such a thoughtful comment. You have no idea how much it means to me especially since most days, I feel like I'm writing into a void. I'm glad this piece resonated with you, and I hope my future ones will to!!
The line that hit: founder on a human journey. Most “growth” problems are identity problems in disguise 😮💨
And that's the plot twist!!
I love this piece. "I thought I was a founder on a startup journey. Turns out, I’m a startup founder on a human journey." Entrepreneurship by nature is a lonely journey, and it's also really personal.
Thank you, Jay!
Melissa,
Thank you for sharing this personal journey.
I know a lot of founders have their own version of this story, but very few have the heart, generosity, and candor you've brought to yours.
What really hit me was how clearly you connected the external journey (products, pivots, ARR, acquisition) with the internal one — the burnout, the self-worth, and the realization that "being ready for success" is a completely different thing than simply wanting it.
Also: the way you described bootstrapping as control over your destiny (and therefore the space to heal and rebuild) was really special --- and something I think more founders need to hear.
Thank you for putting words to the parts so many people live through quietly.
--Steve
Steve, thank you for taking the time to read this piece, and for leaving such a thoughtful comment. You have no idea how much it means to me especially since most days, I feel like I'm writing into a void. I'm glad this piece resonated with you, and I hope my future ones will to!!