Ask HN: I am a founder and a felon, what next?
I went to a good school, comp eng/cyber security major, started early. Got a DoD clearance, worked as a data analyst in a research lab. Ended up hooked to heroin and got involved with onion marketplaces. Long story short, felonies. I threatened someone else involved in a drug sale and went to prison. I continued my studies. A lot. Became a math tutor for those who needed it. Ended up getting a good job a few weeks out, hired on the spot. I can code and I know it. I help lead a team doing some pretty cool work on isomorphic apps. I have some potential job offers in NYC that could be quite promising. I also have multiple projects that I develop in my own time, some that even have customers. As I look toward the future, I want to be candid about this, honesty is the best policy. I also do not want to shoot myself in the foot when filling out YC apps and other grants. I am currently succeeding in the software industry. Do I still have so friggin' much to learn? Yes. But I have been sober for 5 years now, am still in my 20s and haven't looked back. I made amends to all those wronged and am doing what I love. Any sage advice going forward? Thanks!
10 comments
[ 3.0 ms ] story [ 27.6 ms ] threadDoes the YC application actually ask you if you have a felony conviction? If so, I think the best bet is to be honest. But if they don't ask about it, I don't see why you'd need to volunteer that kind of information.
Sounds like you've come a long way. Good luck with your future!
As you just mentioned work successes, I would suggest that you also take good care of personal relationships.
Think about those people that have a good heart and with whom you have a healthy relationship. Consciously cultivate these relationships, if some time pass without seem them, take an extra effort to meet them.
When I was in my 20s I beber thought about it (and might even think that it was an odd advice), but now close to 40 I see how it matters.
Good luck!
There's no harm in being honest, and I believe previous offenders have already gone through YC
I don't have sage advice. Just wanted to offer some encouragement. Cheers.