Comment by partyboat1586

This hits home. I worked at 3 different small startups in my career. The first two failed and I left the last one for finances. I started contracting because it pays better but it's sapping my soul. I loved each one of those startups. I loved the people, the creative freedom and even just the vibe of trust and determination in the office. I loved the parts closer to the end even more because of the thrill of being on the edge. I didn't mind liquidation because I have a good recruiter and I was always ready to get back on the horse.

Now I contract out days for an agency. I estimate predefined tasks and then execute them. I talk nicely and calmly to clients who don't do me the same courtesy. I work only with the technology I have the most experience with and don't have opportunity to try new tech. But I have to pay my rent and I have to start putting money away to eventually get on the property ladder so working at a startup isn't really an option for me any more.