No one often wants to talk about this, but dating as a founder is another ball game. If dating is challenging, for founders and people in tech, it’s a thousand times harder. This is because entrepreneurship is a lifestyle. There’s no “it’s five, I’m off,” no Christmas, no holidays, and certainly no weekends in the traditional sense. Founders often need to be “on” for business, and having a supportive partner is key. There’s a lot that goes on behind the scenes, but how do you find someone who is willing to tolerate the always-on lifestyle? It can be said that having a supportive business partner can be the missing ingredient in startup success. Here are some tips to keep in mind as you design your life:
1. Value Alignment is a Huge Thing
In any relationship, value alignment is first and foremost. If values are not aligned, nothing will ever work. You have to ask yourself: What do you care about? What do you want to see in this world?
2. Find Someone Who Digs This Lifestyle
Most people don’t get it and won’t ever get the entrepreneurial lifestyle. We can’t blame them when our social structures go like school, job, and marriage. You have to find someone who is comfortable with uncertainty and the ups and downs of the business.
3. Have Some Common Ground
Finding someone with common ground on some interests greatly helps. This can be a hobby, sport, or an activity. This is especially important in the beginning, where you have something to bond over.
4. Plan or Nothing Will Happen
It’s easy to get lost in the chaos of the startup and lose sight. You have to set aside some time to plan for the future. This may include road trips, travel, buying a house, investments, and more. The thing is, you can’t expect your partner to simply go with the flow—they need a solid plan for the future, especially if they are not an entrepreneur.
5. Is it the Journey or the Destination?
“It’s the company,” as dragon says. The special people in your life are not replaceable. Find those people who are willing to ride this journey with you.
6. Community Gives You Superpower
Whatever you’re tackling as a founder, being part of a community gives you superpower because you just can’t build startups in isolation. Community is the place where you can find peace, direction, and clarity in your mission.
As you go about navigating your whole journey as a founder, take time to reflect on your goals, aspirations, and relationships. You have great recruiting skills from building a startup—use them to find your partner.
