The five elements I keep in mind when I doubt the startup hype is my way.

Life is a process so it is worth it to stop and think if we would be happy walking an unpredictable and sometimes lonely path as the startup hype requires.

I would like to share the 5 elements I personally keep in mind on the startup adventure:

Money.
Ask Yourself:
Can I live without money for some days, months or even years?
Can I invest all my savings in the next great idea without any warranty?
Do I like business or personal loans?
Possible reality:
You might be living a simple life because you won’t have time, money or simply interest to go shopping.

Time
Ask Yourself:
Am I keen to spend at least 80% of my time doing what I love? (The 80% of the time includes sleeping)
Am I committed to deliver work in very tight deadlines which usually are in the past?
Possible reality:
You might become anxious and desperate; everything has to happen now, a result oriented person.
You might have the fear that if you don’t implement it now (3 am in the morning), the competitor will beat you tomorrow.

Status Quo
Ask Yourself:
Would I be happy working in different areas which might not be my expertise and I might not be very interested in?
Would I be keen to learn quickly?
Do I have that tough skin to keep on working on my idea no matter the others opinions?
Possible reality:
People might call you dreamer, stubborn, activist, workaholic,geek,nerdy or any other sort of names.
People might not understand what you are doing and why you are doing it.

Society roles and expectations
Ask Yourself:
Would I be happy seen my friends climbing successfully the ladder in a big company having a secure pay check whereas I might feel just doing a workout in different areas with an uncertain income?
Would I be happy seen photos of my friends getting married, having kids or having family holidays while I am by myself on my room with my notebook full of ideas on paper or not being able to take the kids to a nice holiday trip?
Would I be happy living with my parents or sharing accommodation with friends?
Possible reality:
You might become a careless parent who instead of allocating quality time for the kids has Skype meetings and work commitments.
You might become a bachelor (man or woman) who instead of looking for the “correct person” is working all the time apparently wasting your youth.

Relocation
Ask Yourself:
Am I very attached to my family, original culture, food and friends? Do I really need to settle down?
Possible reality:
You might need to re-locate or travel a lot and wherever you go you will be a foreigner.
You might have to adapt quickly to new people, new grocery stores, toilets, food, etc. No to mention that your belongings don’t need to exceed two suitcases.

The stratup career is a style of life, be careful and sincere with yourself if adventure is what you really pursue in life, do not follow the fad but your intuition.