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You need to ask yourself, ‘Where do you want to work: startups, mid-size or large companies?’ If you find yourself debating the ‘startup versus large company’ choice you’ve already chosen the big company. Entrepreneurship isn’t a career choice it’s a passion and obsession.
Steve Blank
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Interpretation

What this quote means

The quote emphasizes that choosing to work in a startup versus a large company reveals one's true inclinations and passions regarding entrepreneurship.

Steve Blank highlights the fundamental difference in mindset between people who are drawn to large corporations and those who thrive in startup environments. He suggests that if a person is torn between these two options, their inclination towards stability and security points to a preference for large companies, indicating a lack of the obsessive passion required for entrepreneurship. Instead of viewing entrepreneurship merely as a job option, it should be seen as a dedication fueled by passion and obsession.

Themes

EntrepreneurshipCareerPassionStartupsLarge CompaniesObsession

In practice

Example use cases

In a career advice seminar, this quote can inspire young adults to pursue their true interests in startups.

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