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Ask HN: My startup failed. How do I get back?

4 points by kflywheel ↗ HN
I attempted to build a business over last two and half years. Despite our best efforts we did not find PMF. We have clear signs it’s not working out. My personal funds are running out and healthcare is damn expensive.

Before my startup, I have worked at large companies as a SWE and later as a manager.

Do you have any suggestions on getting back into job market? I am anxious about my startup not making it.

1 comment

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Outboundex
I saw your post about your startup journey over the past 2.5 years and the tough decision to pivot back to employment. The transition from founder back to employee can feel jarring, but your combined SWE and management experience actually makes you more valuable than before.

Have you considered that many companies are specifically looking for people with your exact profile — technical leaders who understand both the code and the business side? Your startup experience, even without PMF, demonstrates initiative and resilience that most candidates lack.

What type of role are you leaning towards — back to hands-on engineering or staying in the management track?