And finally, on being a quitter - you will not be seen as a quitter by people who care about your well being if you communicate the situation clearly. The peopl

And finally, on being a quitter - you will not be seen as a quitter by people who care about your well being if you communicate the situation clearly. The people who may try to shame you as a quitter, will be people who will benefit from you not quitting. People who actually care about you will understand that you need to do what is best for your evolution as a programmer and human being. You have to watch out for your own best benefit. The company, especially if it is full of smart people as you say it is, will survive without you just fine. Depending on the founders, the board of directors, and the investors, it will also, without a qualm, throw you under the bus if that is beneficial to them, especially if you already do not get along with the founder. This is not to say that all companies/founders/directors are evil, but you have to be aware of the risk/benefit and judge it rationally, rather than sacrificing your own well-being, your irreplaceable time, and your energy on a company that does not appreciate it, nor give you a fair exchange mentally or financially.