[orangewarp]

In my experience good people are the hardest investment to come by. By investment I mean long term. Qualitatively, I mean how open and capable a person is not only to his craft, but to changing to the demanding forces of a startup, growing as an individual and as part of the corporate culture. It sounds as though what this candidate lacks in experience, he makes up with his professional skills so it seems promising.

Is there any way you can have your cake and eat it too? For example, depending on what the circumstances of his two months are (student?) maybe you can start having him come in on a more relaxed schedule so he can get his sea legs. During that time, spend the money to outsource some of the work via contract to established individuals but have the new recruit play a role in this transition so in two months, he is already off to a running start, has clarity, and can focus on his priorities.

I find when you give people opportunities and are supportive of their needs, they will amaze you.

This is an interesting scenario and I'd also like to know what other HNers think.