[erik_landerholm]

I never worried about it. I just assumed I'd figure it out. But, that is survivor bias. I do know it was sometimes a major motivation to work harder. It was never a guilt thing, just I want to make sure they are OK.

I have 4 boys all healthy and a decent career. It's gone well for me, but there were scary parts...it increased the personal stress a lot in times like when my start-up/s failed.

It never hampered my ambition though. My wife and I are a team. We've spent 6 months plus apart as I pursued start-ups in Texas and during YC. I've never looked at my family as holding me back in any way.

[daxfohl]

+1 for "My wife and I are a team"

OP absolutely needs to have this discussion with his partner ... if they don't see eye to eye on what their goals are, then it puts the family at risk.

Also +1 for noting survivor bias.

In the talk with his partner, they need to confront head-on the issue that the whole entrepreneurship thing may not work out. Or worse, may be "on the verge of success" for year after year after year. Decide up front where to draw lines and what plan B might be.