Is it okay to think about work life balance while working in a startup

How do you manage your personal career goals when having to wear multiple hats at work because it's a startup?

I work in a startup, have been since the past 4 years. Earlier it was WFH, I had the liberty to work whenever I want - task had to be done. With experience, I've felt that my work life balance has gone for a toss. I'm not sure what I'm doing wrong, I feel exhaused and burnt out. This is also sucking out ownership from what I do. To all the GVs out here, have you guys tried doing something that's helped you? Or are we all on the same boat here? Are folks in MNCs going through the same? Genuinely seeking for help here. I just feel ki, I should stop running behind money now. Take a pay cut if needed and join a company thats a bit more established. Ps: In my case working from office seems like a total waste of time. I had been so much more productive at home. Thanks!

I recently worked at a startup and it was terrible. To be honest, I still worked at one of the better ones but it just sucked. Some of the clear downsides I see - Survival mode leads to chaos. You can be treated anyway and asked to leave whenever even though you left big opportunities to be here - Brand loss to find next job (Big problem) - Trying to make you feel unworthy(Doesn't bother me but I have seen people lose self confidence) - Loss of opportunity to build real skills like building sustainable teams for the long run I think over all working at a startup especially early teams is a losing proposition. Do it only if - - you know the founders/team well - you know the industry and market well and it is a bet you personally believe in - you are secure enough in life that if you go back to your job, you will easily get employed For middle class kids, startups are the worst bets one can take.

I’ve been working in a startup since last 8 months and I am exhausted. The team size is around 30 (frontend and backend). Some weekends are working too and there’s nothing like timings. I am left with nothing but just work, no other activities and no social life. Is it same with everyone working at a startup? Curious to know Ps - it is a work from office job!

Wanted to say Hi, what do you do, how do you see current phase of your life, how do you look at your career so far, and what do you plan to do in next 5 years, etc.

I'm surprised to see on the comment section that people actually support this load of crap. To any newbies or freshers entering tech this year, don't follow this advice. These CEOs exploit your time to gain revenue and when the time is not good they wouldn't think twice before considering layoffs. Just do your job and go home to your life and family. This advice only applies to entrepreneurs who have huge stakes in the company. Because if the company do well they get millions in returns as dividends. As an employee, even if you work for 25 hours you only get the same salary. Don't follow any so called self procalimed entrepreneurs advocating for the hustle culture. You hustle for your life, not for your boss or your job.

I don't know what a good work life balance is in India. Please tell me what working hours are

Seen many reviews about companies having a good or bad WLB. As a fresher, I would love to know what experienced people consider a good work life balance and how important it is while judging a company? Any other factors to consider?

I will go first - It’s hectic as hell, but if you are passionate about the problem that specific startup is solving- it is really rewarding and exciting. But that’s just my opinion not everyone feels the same way about crazy work schedules and WLB which early stage startups tend to have . Please share your thoughts and experiences!