"What I Worked On" - Why Prestige Shouldn't Determine Your Path

"What I Worked On" - Why Prestige Shouldn't Determine Your Path

In my years of experience working on various projects, I've come to realize that the low end often triumphs over the high end. Being the "entry level" option may seem less prestigious, but it allows you to avoid being squashed by someone else who takes that position. Prestige can actually be a danger sign as it often leads to impure motives driven by the desire to impress others. When you find yourself drawn to work that lacks prestige, it's a sign that there's something real to be discovered and that you have the right kind of motives.

One of the patterns I've noticed in my life is that working on things that aren't prestigious has often led to success. For example, still life painting has always been considered the least prestigious form of painting. Similarly, when my team and I started Viaweb and Y Combinator, many thought our ideas were lame. However, we found success because we were willing to work on something despite its lack of prestige.

In my journey, I've also learned the importance of taking breaks and not succumbing to stress. If I had taken a vacation after selling my company, I would have been able to recharge and make better decisions. So, my advice to founders who have just sold their companies is always the same - take a vacation. It's crucial to prioritize self-care and relaxation to avoid burnout and maintain mental clarity.

To improve my writing, I've always relied on giving talks. Standing in front of a group of people and sharing valuable information has always pushed my imagination and improved my essays. When I was asked to give a talk on starting a startup, I realized that sharing my experiences could help others avoid making the same mistakes. This experience led me to create a community where experts could share their insights and help aspiring startup founders.

Creating a supportive community is vital for startups. The isolation that founders often face can be overwhelming, and having colleagues who understand their struggles is invaluable. At Y Combinator, we created a batch system where startups could work together, learn from each other, and tackle their problems collectively. This sense of camaraderie and shared experiences helped them thrive.

On a different note, I've also come to realize the pitfalls of consuming news excessively. While news has become more accessible, its quality has decreased, making it difficult to separate the signal from the noise. Media outlets focus on generating page views and revenue, often resorting to controversial content that lacks substance. Most news articles are not important for living a good life or making informed decisions.

By stepping back from news consumption, I've noticed how misinformed many people are. They tend to cherry-pick information and give it disproportionate weight in their opinions. Without news influencing my thoughts, I've become more comfortable saying "I don't know" and seeking feedback from reality rather than seeking validation from others' opinions.

Breaking away from news consumption may be challenging, as we often fear silence and being alone with our thoughts. However, it's essential to prioritize how we spend our free time and engage in activities that truly enrich our lives. If you do choose to read the news, focus on the facts and data rather than getting caught up in opinions.

To conclude, here are three actionable pieces of advice:

• 1. Embrace the low end: Don't be afraid to work on something that lacks prestige. It often leads to real discoveries and keeps you away from the common pitfalls of pursuing purely impressive endeavors.

• 2. Take breaks and prioritize self-care: Avoid burnout by taking regular vacations and allowing yourself time to recharge. This will help you make better decisions and maintain control over your own destiny.

• 3. Limit news consumption: Be mindful of the news you consume and its impact on your understanding of the world. Prioritize dense and informative content that helps you make better decisions, rather than getting caught up in sensationalism.

Remember, your path to success should be guided by your own motivation and the real value you can create, rather than the desire for prestige or external validation.