My former boss did a successful startup in his 40's with a wife and three kids. The recipe was:
1) Spend that time becoming an expert in your field and developing a network of professional contacts;
2) Marry a bright, accommodating spouse with a stable career and generous health insurance;
3) Be willing to work your family into your business life so you don't become alienated from them.
I think it's a bit of HN echo chamber thinking to believe that you can't do a startup while married with kids. Outside Silicon Valley, a startup by a married person will raise fewer eyebrows than a startup by a 20-something.
100% agree. I am 43 self employed, the fourth child is due in March. The understanding spouse with a good career helps a lot. You can do any company a 20-something can, you just use your greater experience and social contacts to make up for the extra time you don't have.
1) Spend that time becoming an expert in your field and developing a network of professional contacts; 2) Marry a bright, accommodating spouse with a stable career and generous health insurance; 3) Be willing to work your family into your business life so you don't become alienated from them.
I think it's a bit of HN echo chamber thinking to believe that you can't do a startup while married with kids. Outside Silicon Valley, a startup by a married person will raise fewer eyebrows than a startup by a 20-something.