This sounds like a solid road map. Do you mind giving some insight as to how you learned VBA/Excel enough to consult and where you found your consulting/contractor gigs?
As someone who turned 30 recently and would classify my 20's as 50/50 win-lose, I feel I can add to this.
I am single, however family is becoming increasingly important, but to each his own. As much as I dreamed of being a playboy entrepreneur in my 20's, I started tuning in to what I really want, and it's scary.
How will I still achieve my dreams and embark on something as demanding as a family? Feast or Famine is not an option amongst other things, but this is not about relationships, it's about career.
My recent job search was eye opening, I decided to get back into the working world after 8+ years and here is what I have boiled it down to:
1. My biggest mistake while I was an entrepreneur was failing to develop a role for myself. Although you may have to wear many hats in your day to day, you should always try to become an expert at what you're good at. For example, I did marketing and development, pretty good at both, but when looking for work I did not have much of a portfolio and to be very honest, I felt like a hack. Stay prepared and be able to demonstrate and prove your ability at any given time.
2. Failure happens. The delicate part is not looking desperate. Lifestyle change, sparked interest in a new industry or just simply making the next step in your career are all good reasons for transitioning from founder to employee. However, I felt there was some judgement passed on a few occasions. Forget them, it's not worth it.
3. Going out and taking a swing at your dreams deserves a lot of respect. There is so much mediocre in this world that an attempt to do something substantial in your life is not crazy.
4. Being a founder is a thankless job. There is no love until you become successful, or at least look like it. Forget what society thinks, you will almost never get the response you want when you make this decision.
5. Optimize, automate or delegate. After years of overworking, deferring life, missed encounters..... It's not worth it. Having a family may make you a better founder because it gives you boundaries. Respect your time, set your hours and give it your all when you are working at it. Nothing is perfect, but it's amazing what you can achieve when you have 8 hours to GTD.
Technologies: Front-End (html,css,js,ui,ux) Growth Hacking (GA, Adwords, SEO, Content)
Resume: goo.gl/5sm4j5
Email: richard@richard.io
Spent 8+ years doing web dev, marketing and biz dev for local companies in NYC. Have worked as a marketing consultant in an early stage startup that eventually went public. Primarily focused on growing companies and generating revenue in a lead role. I built many businesses from zero to over $200k/mo in revenue in NYC, including building web presence, developing and executing marketing plans and expanding services and service areas.
Very motivated to move into a full time position for a startup. I'm single, have no commitments, mature and focused.
Reason for move: To pivot away from local into a new industry.
However, I am ready to go above and beyond at any position I am at for my own personal reasons, so it won't be much of a stretch, just a taste of what's to come.
The relationship between technical and sales is always going to be complex.
A salesperson has to not only sell, but retain customers. It's their job, regardless of where the product is at. Customers are not easily acquired and the position is unforgiving.
As a hybrid sales/development guy, I was always conflicted selling products that I found myself having to convince users to stick with it on the renewal, because the product is not performing as it should or as promised. It was the technical side of me knowing this product is not really where it should be, just good enough.
And the clauses, yuck!, cancellation fees to end contracts, worst conversation to have with someone you're trying to build a relationship with. For anyone with a conscience, it's a hard position to be in but that's what you are being paid to do, sell. To survive you have to be at peace with the process and have a long term outlook that the product will get better.
It's crushing to have to sell a not so great product just as much as it is hard to push one out. I think what really makes the difference is the company culture and shared vision. If people are not ultimately working toward the same long term goal, there is going to be a disconnect.
Thank you for the advice. This is all very new to me.
You mentioned visualizing a dream role, this is a fascinating thought. Since I wore many hats over the years as an entrepreneur, if I were to create this dream role, could I market/suggest it to companies I am applying to?
Surely this would probably only work with smaller companies, of course, but do you think this is a possibility?
I would definitely take that approach, as long as it aligns with the company's own vision. Employers tend to like the idea that you have goals of your own - as long as you stress that you're happy with the entry level role and working your way up. All the best and keep persevering!
First, I want to thank you for the thoughtful reply. Just like many of you here on HN, I love the internet. It's my life and I've seen it evolve since I was 8. That feeling of never getting the opportunity to even interview for companies you're passionate about is hollowing. I'm glad to see that I am approaching this all wrong.
I really like this approach, I don't mind putting in the work to do some building for each company I choose to apply to. Will start this immediately.
This sounds like a solid road map. Do you mind giving some insight as to how you learned VBA/Excel enough to consult and where you found your consulting/contractor gigs?
Thanks!