Does YC have an in-house shrink? I've always thought that if I ran an incubator, one of the first things I'd do is institute twice-weekly meetings with a shrink. I think such an arrangement would pay off amply in the long run. I know when I was my mid-20s, if I'd had a shrink to help me combat some issues which had the side effect of leading to severe procrastination, I'd have been considerably more productive. To me it just seems like a no-brainer from an investment point-of-view.
I participated in a top incubator and totally agree with this comment. cofounder breakups are such a nasty affair and I've part of one. we tried to resolve the issue but by the time it got to that point, it was a bit too late. I sometimes wonder if we would have addressed our issues sooner through counseling if this would have impacted the outcome of that company. I do think it could have resolved some issues faster. The problem with this incubator was the MD was also an investor, so it was very difficult to talk to him about our issues. I'm happy to be involved in a new company at a senior level, but like a long lost love, you kind of never forget.
I've thought the same thing. I'm constantly amazed that companies don't consider the health of their employees, both physical and mental, worth investing in. It's my firm belief that it would pay back many times over.
I like your shrink idea (though probably once a week is enough). If it was me, I'd also encourage daily 1-hour exercise (gym, soccer, walking, whatever). It really helps.
I'm constantly amazed that companies don't consider the health of their employees, both physical and mental, worth investing in. It's my firm belief that it would pay back many times over.
Oddly enough, the "old-style" corporations that have gone out of style, did. At many investment banks, you can still schedule a confidential appointment with an on-site doctor or therapist.
The depression stigma isn't as strong at the banks as it is in technology companies and in startups. I'm basically unfundable (cyclothymia, aka "bipolar 3") by VCs, but my condition, because it's well-treated, would be a non-issue at most financial firms (even at high levels).
