Suggestion: list all options before assigning a "Plan A/Plan B" ranking:
( )Pursue your own business plan and forget about YC
( )Get accepted by Y-C and start your business that way
( )Work for a YC Founder.
Each have pros and cons, and everyone's goals and cabilities are a little different. Assign Plan "A/B/C" in whatever way works for you. For some, working for a startup company will probably be the best experience they can get if the goal is to start their own eventually.
( )Pursue your own business plan and forget about YC
( )Get accepted by Y-C and start your business that way
( )Work for a YC Founder.
Each have pros and cons, and everyone's goals and cabilities are a little different. Assign Plan "A/B/C" in whatever way works for you. For some, working for a startup company will probably be the best experience they can get if the goal is to start their own eventually.