Without founder level equity in the company, it's simply time to move on. Life is too short to keep working a job that you are not happy at, especially if you are in the lucky minority of people with highly sought after skills.
Very true
Ask HN: No Profitability and Raises why the guilt?
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Re: Ask HN: No Profitability and Raises why the guilt?
#12Well let me premise this by saying: Getting more money rarely turns a bad job into a good job. If you don't like the place you work, that's the problem, and getting more money won't solve that problem.
That being said: I think you're right about getting other offers lined up. I think you should start interviewing, go out into the market, and get 3 - 5 solid offers lined up. Then bring those offers to your employer and leave it in their hands.
If they won't pay you market-rate (after showing them what market rate is), then leave; simple as that.
Re: Ask HN: No Profitability and Raises why the guilt?
#13So 5 years in and you are still not at/near market rates, are they solely bootstrapped?
To answer your question, profitability plays in regardless of whether they raised money or not, but it weighs far heavier when a company is bootstrapped. Even then though, smart founders will work to take care of their staff so their staff take care of the clients. If they are backed and raised a Series A or further then there is no excuse for not, at least, being very close to market.
Just my 2 cents on profitability too, a company cannot claim to be profitable until the staff is paid competitively and founders are taking a reasonable salary for their role and size of firm. Otherwise the company is not really profitable.
As for staying or leaving, my bet is they will keep making promises but unless you see behavior differences or a light at the end of the tunnel, then it may be time to move on regardless.
One other point, if the company has been taking care of you in other ways like vacations, small bonuses when possible, full health care, and other perks/benefits, then I'd likely feel better for a longer period of time, especially if they were open and recognize that they are underpaying, but it wouldn't last forever.
Re: Ask HN: No Profitability and Raises why the guilt?
#14Hey! So forgive the snooping, but I looked at your comment history.
- This post.
- "Need a raise how to ask"
- "100% burnt out"
Quit.
Give your legally required notice then use the time to start looking for something else.
This is obviously contingent on having enough savings to stay off the streets until you find something new.
Maybe get temp work through an agency. Depending on the market you're in, that should be enough to tide you over.
Don't stay. Give notice, move on.
Re: Ask HN: No Profitability and Raises why the guilt?
#15Hey! So forgive the snooping, but I looked at your comment history. - This post. - "Need a raise how to ask" - "100% burnt out" You're telling yourself something. Quit. Give your legally required notice then use the time to start looking for something else. This is obviously contingent on having enough savings to stay off the streets until you find something new. Maybe get temp work through an agency. Depending on th…
Yeah if there is a consistent pattern like this, I think the poster is just looking for the right push to make a move. Some sort of forcing action. I say go with what this guy says, give notice, and leave (unless you need to save money first).