What drives me to start ups is something like self-expression. There's no-one else's expectations to worry about, just my own big ones (which exceeds the investors' :-). The feeling when those expectations are even partially fulfilled is amazing. And every little step forward feeds the feeling, whether it's finishing yet another investor pitch deck revision to walking out from a successful meeting to the big ones like signing a customer and maybe even exiting.
With regards to spouses; I've so far been one of the lucky one's to have a supporting spouse and kids whom have gone through the ups and downs with me. It's not easy for them, but I suppose they also partially feel the excitement and anticipation of a breakthrough.
Nowadays it might also help that they know there's a reward for them too. After my first exit I bought and renovated a house and after the second we took a few weeks luxury around the world trip. Which leads me to the question for you Christeen; What was your reward? A chance to start your own startup?
With regards to spouses; I've so far been one of the lucky one's to have a supporting spouse and kids whom have gone through the ups and downs with me. It's not easy for them, but I suppose they also partially feel the excitement and anticipation of a breakthrough.
Nowadays it might also help that they know there's a reward for them too. After my first exit I bought and renovated a house and after the second we took a few weeks luxury around the world trip. Which leads me to the question for you Christeen; What was your reward? A chance to start your own startup?