Grind for a decade, no one cares for 7.5 yrs & hates you for remaining 2.5 yrs: Altman
As the CEO of OpenAI, Sam Altman has been at the forefront of the artificial intelligence revolution. But in a recent tweet, he shared a candid and humorous look at the realities of working at a startup, specifically the highs and lows that come with dedicating a decade of your life to a single venture.
In the tweet, Altman wrote, “Be me,” and went on to describe the journey of working at OpenAI. He joked that after 10 years of “grind,” most people didn’t care about the first 7.5 years of his work, but by the time he had remained dedicated for 2.5 years, people began to hate him for his persistence.
This tongue-in-cheek commentary has resonated with many who can relate to the struggles and challenges that come with working on a long-term project or startup. For those who have dedicated their lives to a single passion or pursuit, Altman’s words are a humorous and relatable take on the journey.
So, what exactly did Altman mean by his tweet? To understand the context, it’s helpful to look at the life of a CEO like Altman, who has dedicated over a decade of his life to OpenAI. From the outside, it might seem like he has it all: a successful startup, a high-profile role, and the admiration of his peers.
But as Altman’s tweet suggests, the reality is far more nuanced. The early years of a startup are often marked by long hours, endless meetings, and a never-ending sense of uncertainty. It’s not uncommon for founders and CEOs to feel like they’re working 24/7, with no end in sight.
During these early years, it’s common for outsiders to view the startup as a novelty or a passing fad. They might see the founders as idealistic dreamers, and the project as a mere hobby. As a result, the early years of a startup can be marked by a sense of isolation and disconnection.
But as the years go by, and the startup begins to gain traction, things can start to change. The novelty wears off, and people begin to take notice. The startup starts to gain attention, and the founders become more visible. This is when the “hate” part of Altman’s tweet starts to kick in.
As the startup grows, it’s not uncommon for people to start to resent the founders for their success. They might feel like they’re being left behind, or that the founders are somehow “lucky” or “privileged.” This is often a result of the startup’s growing influence and visibility, which can create a sense of FOMO (fear of missing out) among those who were once skeptical or dismissive.
Altman’s tweet is a humorous take on this phenomenon. He’s acknowledging that the early years of a startup are often marked by hard work and dedication, but that the later years can be marked by a sense of resentment and jealousy. By poking fun at this phenomenon, Altman is reminding us that success is never easy, and that even the most successful people have had to put in the work to get where they are.
So what can we learn from Altman’s tweet? Firstly, it’s a reminder that success is never linear. It’s not a straight line from A to B, but rather a winding journey marked by ups and downs. Secondly, it’s a reminder that hard work and dedication are essential for achieving success. Finally, it’s a reminder that even the most successful people have had to navigate the same challenges and struggles that we all face.
In conclusion, Altman’s tweet is a humorous and relatable take on the journey of working at a startup. By acknowledging the highs and lows of his own journey, he’s reminding us that success is never easy, but that it’s worth it in the end. As he said, “Wake up one day to hundreds of messages… ‘Look I made you into a twink Ghibli style.’ It’s a reminder that even the most successful people have to put in the work to get where they are, and that the journey is just as important as the destination.
