Yes, some how people think the more they estimate, the better they'll be at it. But most tasks are different and the experience isn't as simple as a copy paste from the previous.
It's a programming "test" right? Sometimes I wonder if it's better to solve the problem in isolation, to show that I can sit on a problem and go at it, or to solve it in a collaborative manner with the interviewer, to show I'd play well in a team.
Sometimes when I read people saying the end goal is not to solve the problem weird. Does that mean those who solved the problem alone by losing a few hairs actually scored worse than an outspoken candidate who solved it with help from the interviewer?
You can ask them what they prefer. Also, communication is an important element - in real work you may be spending time on something that's already obvious to someone else, or getting stuck on an approach which is known to not work.
I think actually solving those problems or failing in the end is random (unless you know the answer already). But if you get a good chat out of it, it may be in your favour.
Nothing wrong with family funded business but if after 18 years the 'dad' is the major shareholder it's a bad sign they were not able to raise much outside capital.
It's not so bad, most companies are not 'high flying' but if they have 'startup culture' ... maybe not such a great thing.
Also - family companies can be odd. It very much depends on the situation.
An 18 year old company should simply not be referring to itself as a 'startup' and they should have at very least be settling into some kind of routine. It's fine if there isn't hypergalactic growth - but something fundamental should be there.
I find that a lot of companies that refer to themselves as being bearers of startup culture, is mostly trying to cater to younger people or at least a young mindset - not because they're necessarily trying to hide insane working hours or demands. Sometimes it truly is about passion and keeping a "beginner's mind". Definitely not for everyone, but to me it feels very inspiring and empowering.
(I work for 15+ year company that like to view itself as a startup - but the partying is definitely optional)
> Nothing wrong with family funded business but if after 18 years the 'dad' is the major shareholder it's a bad sign they were not able to raise much outside capital.
Or they didn't have a need to. Why depend on other peoples money if you're fine without?
Because family rounds would have been earlier, and typically want less risk. Also, there are almost 0 companies that can do just as well with $10M as they can with 100.
More money is a powerful sign of momentum, and it generally increases valuation.
So sure, maybe $50M is enough and 'more' just comes on worse terms ... but a small company avoiding going past Round A ... it's far more likely they just couldn't raise.
I equate startup but downsides like longer hours, less salary, higher pressure. That is ok for a few years but not sustainable. If you are still working like that after 18 years, I would consider that a commercial failure.
Perhaps I'm old, but TikTok failed to get me back over and over again.