What I wish I knew before working at a startup

✍️ For more content like this, check out Startup Diaries - my newsletter about lessons on navigating early-stage startups: startupdiaries.substack.com/
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Hey there, it's Jenny! I've been an early employee at a few startups and there are definitely things I wish I knew before working at one. Here are a few mindsets that would've saved me a lot of stress, had I known them earlier 😅
⏰ Timestamps
00:00 Intro
01:00 Treat your 20s like an experiment
02:43 See things for what they are, not how it's presented to you
04:35 Normalize your emotions and don't let them consume you
06:03 Embrace and be comfortable with ambiguity
🎵 Music:
[www.epidemicsound.com/referr]
👋 Don't be a stranger
Instagram: @itsamyjenny
📮 Any suggestions or questions? Send us a note at [e-mail]
📍 quick disclaimer: this video is solely based on my own experiences and does not represent the views of any company or employer. hope you enjoy!

[@gauravm.]

Working at a startup can be so emotionally and physically draining. I burnout frequently. But there's the freedom, and you get to learn different aspects of technology and running a business that you normally wouldn't.

[@amy_jenny]

for sure, huge pros/cons here - i tend to burnout quickly too but i'm learning to pace myself a bit better to help mitigate against that

[@daijagibbs6187]

Just want to say what a great job you've done at Notion, the brand recognition is clearly doing great cuz I clicked on your video first b/c of the I recognized the logo. I used it all during lockdown last year.

[@compilejason]

Working at an early stage startup myself, I can vouch that normalizing your emotions in the presence of chaos around you is key to sustaining yourself in a startup environment. Especially hyper growth early stage startups like my current post & yours (Notion). Meditation has been the single most important tool for me in maintaining emotional equilibrium. It's elevated my ability to interact with my colleagues empathetically and patiently, tackle complex problems with a clear mind, and juggle 100 different things with control. Do you meditate as well and if so how important has that been for you?

[@lilly.zma.]

I like how a lot of this advice or information is applicable to life generally beyond start ups :) definitely important insight, thank you!

[@amy_jenny]

Thanks as always, Liliana

[@KumeikoApple]

It's very calming to see that other people are going through a lot as well, and it's okay. Thank you :)

[@amy_jenny]

I'm glad to hear that :) thanks so much for tuning in!

[@poemdaga7661]

This is so relatable, thank you for sharing 🙌

[@amy_jenny]

so glad to hear that! thanks for tuning in :)

[@yashchhabra753]

Really liked that you have addressed the fact of having the right mindset, very helpful and insightful!

[@amy_jenny]

glad you enjoyed it! thanks for watching :)

[@user-wr4yl7tx3w]

Very good points.

[@trinhannguyen9848]

I'm glad that I found your channel. We do have some common books on the shelf. Thank you!

[@amy_jenny]

haha glad to hear it! thanks for tuning in :)

[@elizabethgraham4928]

I will never work for another startup 😂 it's too much

[@longchen6839]

Treating your 20s like an experiment resonated with me.

[@KumeikoApple]

I like your videos! Keep it up!

[@rwwwwr7891]

I am going to accept a start up offer as my first industrial job. Your videos are really helpful. And the way you talk is so calm and charming. I love it!

[@amy_jenny]

Congrats on the offer! Thanks for watching!

[@KelLam979]

This channel & its videos are just under-viewed... Perfect info for 20s / new grads and a cute girl!!

[@AsapPapi]

Really interesting Video. Keep it up 🔥

[@amy_jenny]

Appreciate you watching :)

[@avilezf_]

Hello, I just want to thank you for all this content. You may not read this message... I understand, but if at any time you see it, I just want you to know that your videos have helped me a lot to continue on my way in this tech world. I wish you the best and I support you 200%

[@amy_jenny]

Hey Luis - that means a lot. Thanks so much for the encouraging note and best of luck in your endeavors!

[@johnkiin219]

just a question Wouldn't you want to join a big company first to understand process (since start ups skip processes a lot), then later on join a start up since you can bring that knowledge into a start up? Like recently, I've decided to reject a start up and chose to join one of the FAANG companies as it seems like the start up was losing in every area compared to big tech...

[@amy_jenny]

hey jon! thanks so much for watching! i'm actually covering this exact topic - startups vs. big companies - in my upcoming video so keep a look out for that :)

[@srikanthtangirala9191]

Thanks for the tips and would keep this in mind as I'm working at a startup. Could you make a video on how to find the right investors to fund a startup?

[@amy_jenny]

Glad it was helpful, Srikanth! I don't have any direct experience fundraising but I recommend checking out Gary Tan and Justin Kan's channels - they are both super experienced investors and have great content

[@srikanthtangirala9191]

@@amy_jenny Thanks, I will check those videos.

[@arroba3218]

I'm turning 21 and I've never got a job. I'm fearing I'm missing out what was supposed to be that period of learning.

[@amy_jenny]

hey arroba, most of us get full time jobs starting then or later so i definitely don't think you're behind. you have so many years ahead of you! wishing you the best and appreciate you watching :)

[@pekingunistudent1217]

♥️♥️♥️

[@jamming8148]

Start ups are good for ppl new to work and people who are much further in their career, not mid level ppl

[@FL-xc1wk]

Did you receive stock options when applying?

[@amy_jenny]

Yep!

[@angcil88]

Startups? Shiny? Clout? What? Are these what people really think? As a startup founder I would never see it that way, startup is tough, dynamic, messy, engaging, risky, rewarding, mental roller coaster (tho not as much as stock/forex/crypto market trading roller coaster).

[@amy_jenny]

You’d be surprised! Esp from people trying to break into the industry