4 ms·

I'm currently at a startup and this is probably my fifth or sixth, I cannot remember, and I've experienced pretty much everything you've listed: people suck, pa

I'm currently at a startup and this is probably my fifth or sixth, I cannot remember, and I've experienced pretty much everything you've listed: people suck, pay is wonky, managerial incompetence, hush money. Those traits are germain to any business, but in the startup game you have to understand that you're making certain sacrifices in exchange for greater reward at the end. If you see no end, then you have to ask yourself the following: Do I share the company's vision? If the answer is "no", then pack your bags (fire up resume, get job first) because life will not get better for you even if the company succeeds in meeting their short or long term goals. If the answer is 'yes', then you have to realistically determine if your personal success is tied to the company's. Will you be compensated adequately once the company achieves success (sale, merger, continued investment)? Is that compensation commensurate with what you'd be making at a similar firm? What is your opportunity cost for not pursuing those same goals (cashing out) at a similar firm? And, realistically speaking, can you remain at the company without losing your mind or getting fired in order to complete your personal goals (vesting period)? In most cases, any given Friday is a good time to leave a startup as you'll have an entire weekend to relax and get over leaving an unhappy situation and begin to work on your future. Most people are tied into their job and don't leave because they're unsure if they'll be able to obtain similar or better employment elsewhere on their own. If you have the skills to work somewhere else and you've proven that you can do your current job, I'd start floating my resume out there and test the waters. It's best to do it while still employed (note to self)! And when asked, "why are you unhappy in your current position" simply respond "I no longer share their vision."

geek96 16y ago
Thanks for the feedback! One issue is that there is no company vision. When I ask about the company's goals, founder #1 says that if we make enough money to survive for 10 years, then that's fine. founder #2 says we're a high-growth company, and we want to be bought out for $400Million. The follow up question, "what's the plan to achieve that vision?" is met with blank stares from both of them. The vision is inconsistent at best, and there is no plan to agree or disagree with. In my opinion, founder #1 just wants a high-tech sandbox to play in. If he gets enough money so that he gets to keep playing then he's happy. founder #2 has friends who made a bunch of money in a startup -- he wants to be like them but doesn't actually know how. I already started floating my resume out there to test the waters a bit. So far, everything seems better than here. I'm concerned that I'm looking at the greener grass on the other side of the fence, though. Excellent tip about no longer sharing their vision. I had no desire to air our company's dirty laundry in an interview -- but I had to scramble for a PC response when posed that question a couple weeks ago.
- maxbrown 16y ago
  First, I would have the response in your pocket when you walk in to an interview. That's a question you can expect. Second, if you do get another job and you have the luxury to, maybe ask the company if you can consult with them for a week before deciding (get a week off of your current job). Nothing worse than moving from something you don't like to something you think you do, only to find out that it's the same or worse.

geek96 16y ago

Thanks for the feedback! One issue is that there is no company vision. When I ask about the company's goals, founder #1 says that if we make enough money to survive for 10 years, then that's fine. founder #2 says we're a high-growth company, and we want to be bought out for $400Million. The follow up question, "what's the plan to achieve that vision?" is met with blank stares from both of them. The vision is inconsistent at best, and there is no plan to agree or disagree with. In my opinion, founder #1 just wants a high-tech sandbox to play in. If he gets enough money so that he gets to keep playing then he's happy. founder #2 has friends who made a bunch of money in a startup -- he wants to be like them but doesn't actually know how. I already started floating my resume out there to test the waters a bit. So far, everything seems better than here. I'm concerned that I'm looking at the greener grass on the other side of the fence, though. Excellent tip about no longer sharing their vision. I had no desire to air our company's dirty laundry in an interview -- but I had to scramble for a PC response when posed that question a couple weeks ago.

maxbrown 16y ago
First, I would have the response in your pocket when you walk in to an interview. That's a question you can expect. Second, if you do get another job and you have the luxury to, maybe ask the company if you can consult with them for a week before deciding (get a week off of your current job). Nothing worse than moving from something you don't like to something you think you do, only to find out that it's the same or worse.