83
Quit my $250k VP of Product job for a startup making $38/month
r/indiehackers
8/15/2025
Content Summary
The post is from u/CastielVie, who left a $250k/year VP of Product role to start a startup that currently generates only $38/month. He emphasizes that the decision was driven by his desire for focus and passion, despite the financial risk. The startup focuses on helping early-stage SaaS and agencies find customers by identifying where potential customers discuss their problems online. Many commenters express admiration for his courage, while others question the financial viability of such a move. Some suggest building the startup on the side first, while others encourage him to continue and highlight the importance of solving real customer problems.
Opinion Analysis
Different Viewpoints
Mainstream Opinion:
- Many commenters admire the author's courage and passion for pursuing his vision, even at the cost of a stable income.
- There is general support for the idea of focusing on what truly motivates you, rather than just chasing money.
- Most agree that the startup journey is risky but rewarding for those who are passionate and committed.
Controversial Opinions:
- Some question whether it's rational to leave a high-paying job for a startup with minimal revenue, especially without a clear plan for scaling.
- A few suggest that building the startup on the side while keeping the job might be a safer approach, especially for those with financial responsibilities.
- There is debate over whether the author has enough runway to sustain himself financially during the early stages of the startup.
Debates and Perspectives:
- One perspective is that taking risks is necessary for true success, while another suggests that stability and planning are more important for long-term sustainability.
- Some believe that the author's focus and urgency will lead to success, while others worry that the lack of a proven business model could lead to failure.
- The discussion also touches on the importance of market validation before investing time and resources into a product.
SAAS TOOLS
| SaaS | URL | Category | Features/Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| WhereTheyTalk | https://wheretheytalk.com | Lead Generation | Finds conversations of potential customers online to help startups find early-stage clients |
| LinkedIn Sales Navigator | - | Sales & Outreach | Used by some commenters for targeting small businesses looking to implement AI |
| Skool | - | Community Building | Mentioned as a potential platform for outreach and engagement with learning audiences |
USER NEEDS
Pain Points:
- Lack of focus and motivation in traditional jobs
- Difficulty finding early-stage customers for startups
- Financial uncertainty and risk when leaving a stable job
- Need for community support and mentorship in the startup journey
Problems to Solve:
- How to effectively find and engage with potential customers
- Balancing risk and reward when pursuing a startup venture
- Maintaining work-life balance while building a business
- Overcoming the fear of failure and financial instability
Potential Solutions:
- Focusing on solving real problems that customers care about
- Building a strong product-market fit before scaling
- Leveraging personal networks and communities for support and feedback
- Using tools like WhereTheyTalk to identify customer conversations online
GROWTH FACTORS
Effective Strategies:
- Focusing on solving real, painful problems for customers
- Building a product that creates value for users (e.g., helping them find customers)
- Leveraging personal experience and expertise in product development
- Engaging with the community through platforms like Reddit and LinkedIn
Marketing & Acquisition:
- Using social proof and storytelling to build credibility
- Engaging with potential customers directly through trial signups and feedback loops
- Building relationships with developers and other professionals who could help with product development
Monetization & Product:
- Starting with a low-cost solution to attract early adopters
- Focusing on product-market fit before scaling
- Considering affiliate programs or sales materials as future growth strategies
User Engagement:
- Encouraging user feedback and involvement in the product development process
- Creating a sense of community among users through shared goals and experiences
- Providing regular updates and transparency about the startup's progress