Rocket Ship Career Framework

A framework for making career decisions by evaluating companies based on their growth trajectory and potential.

Core Concept

• Don't focus on role or compensation - optimize for joining rocket ships
• Take any seat available on a rocket ship company
• Growth trajectory matters more than initial position

How to Identify a Rocket Ship

• Company is growing very fast
• Has product-market fit figured out
• Facing "good problems" vs "bad problems"
  • Good problem: Too much demand to keep up with
  • Bad problem: No one wants the product

Why Rocket Ships Matter

• Fast promotion potential
  • Good performers can move up quickly (even within 2 months)
  • Many problems need solving, creating opportunities
  • Company needs capable people as it scales
• Accelerated learning environment
• Better career trajectory long-term

Common Career Mistakes

• Choosing higher title at slower company
• Taking better compensation at stagnant organization
• Joining "Titanic" companies
  • Having best role on failing company
  • Company likely to sink regardless of position

Action Framework

• Classify potential companies into:
  • Rocket Ships (fast growth)
  • Cars (steady state)
  • Titanics (declining)
• Take any available role at rocket ship
• Focus on performance and problem-solving
• Let internal mobility happen naturally