Ask HN: Startup with Small Children

3 IronyMan100 2 9/16/2025, 6:25:36 PM

I am thinking about setting up a startup. I am a scientist and I see increasing commercial interest in my field, as well as some potential problems that could be turned into a startup. However, I have a 1.5-year-old toddler and my wife and I are planning to have another child in the near future. Sometimes I think I want to start something on my own and give my research a useful application. On the other hand, I hear so many founders working 60–80-hour weeks, and that's just not possible right now. Could you tell me about your experience?

Comments (2)

codingdave · 3h ago

If it is your project, then you control your own hours. So it seems feasible, as long as you set good boundaries and stick to them. And as long as you can be productive and hit your own goals within the limits you set for yourself.

But don't get investors in the mix - then you have other people pushing you to hit their goals and deadlines, and it will go off the rails. So maybe the "startup" playbooks are not correct for you, but that doesn't mean you cannot do your own thing.

Basically, don't be a "founder". Be independent. Do your thing, your way. That is how most of the self-employed people that I know live their lives, anyway.

Bender · 3h ago

I'm sure you will balance your time wisely but I would only add that kids grow up really fast and the youngest years are when they need your guidance the most. Blink a couple times and they will be teenagers. Blink again and they are adults. I have my regrets. I hope you don't have any regrets and wish the best for you and your family.