Startup Dilemma: Top startup accelerator worth quitting the best job I ever had?

I've been granted a rare opportunity to join one of the top startup accelerators (think Y Combinator) in San Francisco, and I need to decide whether it's worth quitting the best job I ever had.

I always wanted to do a startup and this feels like the perfect opportunity for me to experience working alongside some of the smartest and hungriest entrepreneurs in the world. Not to mention the endless opportunities to expand my network of mentors and VCs.

There are several factors that are making me reconsider.

  • I have serious doubts about the product and the team.
  • I'm one of three co-founders with a minority stake in the company (no control).
  • I'm in a great company with good work/life balance and an amazing boss (corporate life).
  • I'd have to take 20% pay cut with no benefits and higher living costs in San Fran. I live in a rent controlled NYC apt that saves me a lot of money. I'd have to give it up!

The team did manage to raise $1mil in funding.

I'm 30yrs old and the window of living startup life may be closing down on me as I begin to think about marriage and kids over the next five years.

I'm wondering if the experience and knowledge that I would gain from this accelerator is enough to take the plunge, even if I'm not passionate about the team or the product. I consider myself very lucky to be granted this rare opportunity and I don't want to make a foolish decision just because I'm comfortable.

Any advice/thoughts would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance!

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