Slightly more than a month ago I did something crazy and left a challenging but incredibly rewarding job at a seed-stage investment firm to join an internet start-up.

In a different country.

That’s pre-revenue.

All signs pointed to “crazy”, but when you’re chasing your dream you don’t always allow rational thought to enter into the decision process.

Here’s four observations after four weeks at an internet start-up:

1) Every day a large grin has slowly spread across my face as I realize that… this. is. real. Being involved with something during the week that used to consume my free brain cycles is simply great. If this doesn’t explain you’re situation consider a life move. Do your free thoughts drift to daydreams of beaches and mixed drinks? Go be the best cabana boy in the world. Honestly.

2) Despite having NYC, NJ, Canadian, and Parisian offices the way we’re working is very modern and special. As Alex wrote, it’s “strange and wonderful at the same time.” Having a 20 second commute (thinking of installing a fire pole to cut it in half), discussing strategy while in pajamas, and blasting music throughout the work day are only the simplest benefits of this new way to organize a team (as Lance says, it makes a lot of sense to hire the best people regardless of where they’re located).

3) Things move quickly in this world. Quicker than you can imagine until you’re immersed in it. Seriously. With so many smart teams working tirelessly for enormous stakes (read: changing the world) it makes sense. In less than a month we’ve revised the website, launched a new product, prepped another for beta, wrote popular articles, and have started to move chess pieces for the future. It’s worth pointing out that there’s only six of us on the team.

4) It’s still all about the people.

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