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Are startups expected to have low salaries, no bonuses, no raises?
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My company (< 300) is currently offering below-market wages, no shares, no bonuses, no raises, with the constant promise of "opportunities for growth" as the company develops.
Plus, we are quite top-heavy, and each time we make an acquisition we bring in a bunch of new directors.
I see no future, but I have no experience and I might be wrong.
In startups, is it common to offer just a fixed salary over several years? Or is it a red flag?
salary startup
asked Dec 20 '15 at 0:37
Monoandale
2,72041846
 |Â
show 6 more comments
up vote
13
down vote
favorite
My company (< 300) is currently offering below-market wages, no shares, no bonuses, no raises, with the constant promise of "opportunities for growth" as the company develops.
Plus, we are quite top-heavy, and each time we make an acquisition we bring in a bunch of new directors.
I see no future, but I have no experience and I might be wrong.
In startups, is it common to offer just a fixed salary over several years? Or is it a red flag?
salary startup
asked Dec 20 '15 at 0:37
Monoandale
2,72041846
2
If you're goint to take a pay reduction, you need a written commitment that they will try to make it up go you in some form. That may be a promise of a retroactive raise when some reasonable milestone us reached, stock options, or other arrangement or combination ... but there should be some recognition that you're doing them a favor by accepting delayed payment and a clear and documented statement of when and how they will reward that sacrifice. Assuming the company survives that long. Equity per se may go only to founders who spent some time working for no wages; ask your management.
– keshlam
Dec 20 '15 at 1:11
1
@JoeStrazzere: Happens with large companies too. One such period was responsible for the alternative expansion of IBM, I've Been Moved --- to avoid laying folks off, not only were salaries frozen but there was a lot of shuffling people to the places they were most needed.
– keshlam
Dec 20 '15 at 18:00
2
"Opportunities for growth" without anything to make up for it is just a B.S. excuse not to pay you what you're really worth. Stop letting them take advantage, go find a better job.
– DLS3141
Dec 21 '15 at 18:12
1
@Monoandale If you had an equity stake, it may be worth riding things out. However, without one, it sounds like you're being taken advantage of. The company isn't in trouble - they're rapidly growing and taking on new people. At least start putting out feelers to see what you can get elsewhere.
– Dan Lyons
Dec 22 '15 at 18:47
1
Amazon makes no profit either. A company can easily make profits disappear from the books, especially if invests heavily in growth.
– CodesInChaos
Dec 22 '15 at 22:39
 |Â
show 6 more comments
up vote
13
down vote
favorite
up vote
13
down vote
favorite
My company (< 300) is currently offering below-market wages, no shares, no bonuses, no raises, with the constant promise of "opportunities for growth" as the company develops.
Plus, we are quite top-heavy, and each time we make an acquisition we bring in a bunch of new directors.
I see no future, but I have no experience and I might be wrong.
In startups, is it common to offer just a fixed salary over several years? Or is it a red flag?
salary startup
asked Dec 20 '15 at 0:37
Monoandale
2,72041846
My company (< 300) is currently offering below-market wages, no shares, no bonuses, no raises, with the constant promise of "opportunities for growth" as the company develops.
Plus, we are quite top-heavy, and each time we make an acquisition we bring in a bunch of new directors.
I see no future, but I have no experience and I might be wrong.
In startups, is it common to offer just a fixed salary over several years? Or is it a red flag?
salary startup
asked Dec 20 '15 at 0:37
Monoandale
2,72041846
asked Dec 20 '15 at 0:37
Monoandale
2,72041846
asked Dec 20 '15 at 0:37
Monoandale
2,72041846
asked Dec 20 '15 at 0:37
Monoandale
2,72041846
2,72041846
2
If you're goint to take a pay reduction, you need a written commitment that they will try to make it up go you in some form. That may be a promise of a retroactive raise when some reasonable milestone us reached, stock options, or other arrangement or combination ... but there should be some recognition that you're doing them a favor by accepting delayed payment and a clear and documented statement of when and how they will reward that sacrifice. Assuming the company survives that long. Equity per se may go only to founders who spent some time working for no wages; ask your management.
– keshlam
Dec 20 '15 at 1:11
1
@JoeStrazzere: Happens with large companies too. One such period was responsible for the alternative expansion of IBM, I've Been Moved --- to avoid laying folks off, not only were salaries frozen but there was a lot of shuffling people to the places they were most needed.
– keshlam
Dec 20 '15 at 18:00
2
"Opportunities for growth" without anything to make up for it is just a B.S. excuse not to pay you what you're really worth. Stop letting them take advantage, go find a better job.
– DLS3141
Dec 21 '15 at 18:12
1
@Monoandale If you had an equity stake, it may be worth riding things out. However, without one, it sounds like you're being taken advantage of. The company isn't in trouble - they're rapidly growing and taking on new people. At least start putting out feelers to see what you can get elsewhere.
– Dan Lyons
Dec 22 '15 at 18:47
1
Amazon makes no profit either. A company can easily make profits disappear from the books, especially if invests heavily in growth.
– CodesInChaos
Dec 22 '15 at 22:39
 |Â
show 6 more comments
2
If you're goint to take a pay reduction, you need a written commitment that they will try to make it up go you in some form. That may be a promise of a retroactive raise when some reasonable milestone us reached, stock options, or other arrangement or combination ... but there should be some recognition that you're doing them a favor by accepting delayed payment and a clear and documented statement of when and how they will reward that sacrifice. Assuming the company survives that long. Equity per se may go only to founders who spent some time working for no wages; ask your management.
– keshlam
Dec 20 '15 at 1:11
1
@JoeStrazzere: Happens with large companies too. One such period was responsible for the alternative expansion of IBM, I've Been Moved --- to avoid laying folks off, not only were salaries frozen but there was a lot of shuffling people to the places they were most needed.
– keshlam
Dec 20 '15 at 18:00
2
"Opportunities for growth" without anything to make up for it is just a B.S. excuse not to pay you what you're really worth. Stop letting them take advantage, go find a better job.
– DLS3141
Dec 21 '15 at 18:12
1
@Monoandale If you had an equity stake, it may be worth riding things out. However, without one, it sounds like you're being taken advantage of. The company isn't in trouble - they're rapidly growing and taking on new people. At least start putting out feelers to see what you can get elsewhere.
– Dan Lyons
Dec 22 '15 at 18:47
1
Amazon makes no profit either. A company can easily make profits disappear from the books, especially if invests heavily in growth.
– CodesInChaos
Dec 22 '15 at 22:39
2
2
If you're goint to take a pay reduction, you need a written commitment that they will try to make it up go you in some form. That may be a promise of a retroactive raise when some reasonable milestone us reached, stock options, or other arrangement or combination ... but there should be some recognition that you're doing them a favor by accepting delayed payment and a clear and documented statement of when and how they will reward that sacrifice. Assuming the company survives that long. Equity per se may go only to founders who spent some time working for no wages; ask your management.
– keshlam
Dec 20 '15 at 1:11
If you're goint to take a pay reduction, you need a written commitment that they will try to make it up go you in some form. That may be a promise of a retroactive raise when some reasonable milestone us reached, stock options, or other arrangement or combination ... but there should be some recognition that you're doing them a favor by accepting delayed payment and a clear and documented statement of when and how they will reward that sacrifice. Assuming the company survives that long. Equity per se may go only to founders who spent some time working for no wages; ask your management.
– keshlam
Dec 20 '15 at 1:11
1
1
@JoeStrazzere: Happens with large companies too. One such period was responsible for the alternative expansion of IBM, I've Been Moved --- to avoid laying folks off, not only were salaries frozen but there was a lot of shuffling people to the places they were most needed.
– keshlam
Dec 20 '15 at 18:00
@JoeStrazzere: Happens with large companies too. One such period was responsible for the alternative expansion of IBM, I've Been Moved --- to avoid laying folks off, not only were salaries frozen but there was a lot of shuffling people to the places they were most needed.
– keshlam
Dec 20 '15 at 18:00
2
2
"Opportunities for growth" without anything to make up for it is just a B.S. excuse not to pay you what you're really worth. Stop letting them take advantage, go find a better job.
– DLS3141
Dec 21 '15 at 18:12
"Opportunities for growth" without anything to make up for it is just a B.S. excuse not to pay you what you're really worth. Stop letting them take advantage, go find a better job.
– DLS3141
Dec 21 '15 at 18:12
1
1
@Monoandale If you had an equity stake, it may be worth riding things out. However, without one, it sounds like you're being taken advantage of. The company isn't in trouble - they're rapidly growing and taking on new people. At least start putting out feelers to see what you can get elsewhere.
– Dan Lyons
Dec 22 '15 at 18:47
@Monoandale If you had an equity stake, it may be worth riding things out. However, without one, it sounds like you're being taken advantage of. The company isn't in trouble - they're rapidly growing and taking on new people. At least start putting out feelers to see what you can get elsewhere.
– Dan Lyons
Dec 22 '15 at 18:47
1
1
Amazon makes no profit either. A company can easily make profits disappear from the books, especially if invests heavily in growth.
– CodesInChaos
Dec 22 '15 at 22:39
Amazon makes no profit either. A company can easily make profits disappear from the books, especially if invests heavily in growth.
– CodesInChaos
Dec 22 '15 at 22:39
 |Â
show 6 more comments
5 Answers
5
active
oldest
votes
up vote
7
down vote
accepted
with the constant promise of "opportunities for growth" as the company
develops
Startups work on mutual trust, and you can't stall a raise for your employees with this vague promise. They have families to take care, just like yours.
Plus, we are quite top-heavy, and each time we make an acquisition we
bring in a bunch of new directors. I see no future, but I have no
experience and I might be wrong.
Acquisitions are made when you are kicking ass (yes, literally). They are for expanding or strengthening your position in the market. The acquiring company should be very confident enough, and well off for moving ahead with the deals. Here in your case, I don't think you're ready or confident enough for that.
As a failed startup founder, let me make it clear for you:
You employees are the ones who would be driving your company on their
shoulders, and would also be the ones who'd be there for you when the
ship drowns, but that is only when you treat them well.
No one would be convinced by the promise of "growth opportunities". They're not still out-of-college kids for that. You need to literally make them feel that there is indeed an awesome growth opportunity. And make sure, it is AWESOME, as you are fighting in a very competitive world where there are huge bucks and share options everywhere.
In startups, is it common to offer just a fixed salary over several
years? Or is it a red flag?
Depends. If a startup is well-funded, then there would be hefty salaries. But, as they are rapid growth environments, I definitely see a fixed salary for several years as a red flag.
answered Dec 20 '15 at 14:48
Dawny33
12.2k34563
@JoeStrazzere I agree with you. But, I definitely don't recommend acquisitions in the OP's case. He looks pretty confused about his current situation and company. So, unless he is really confident (not the case here), or driven by the advice of a really good mentor; I don't think acquisitions make sense here :)
– Dawny33
Dec 22 '15 at 14:19
2
@JoeStrazzere Whitey Bulger school of business says you acquire companies by kicking the ass of their present owners until they sign the business over to you. It's much lower risk than spending money on aquiring assets.
– Myles
Dec 22 '15 at 14:44
suggest improvements |Â
up vote
17
down vote
You're asking the wrong question! It doesn't matter whether it's "common" or not. You clearly have a terrible feeling about the place and are paid "below market." So go make market somewhere, where you don't have a terrible feeling about the place.
My blunt advice: you smell a fish, so do I. Run, don't walk. I know this is terse but there really isn't a ton more to say about this. Good for them for hiring so many people for cheap. You shouldn't be one of them.
suggest improvements |Â
up vote
6
down vote
Low pay is common enough with many startups. But everything else you mentioned is too vague to take the chance on growing with the company. In my experience when it's increasingly top heavy, it's usually a funding issue, and the top will eat the funding until it all collapses.
Nothing you have mentioned would make that job attractive to me. You're expendable from the start. Opportunities for growth is not a real promise of anything.
answered Dec 20 '15 at 1:47
Kilisi
94.7k50216376
suggest improvements |Â
up vote
2
down vote
this is an expression of my opinion only not to be confused for advice I think you have the wrong definition of a start up. You have around 300 employees I would say it's a mid size company. And actually I think you're company shed the start up tag long as you say for several years it's been around. And not to forget the part where there is acquisition of other company.
answered Dec 20 '15 at 12:24
war_Hero
1379
OK, so it's a mid-sized company. Are low pay, no bonuses, no salary rises, no shares normal in a mid-size company?
– Monoandale
Dec 20 '15 at 12:29
4
no they're not, unless you're in some godforsaken country living on the edge of starvation
– Kilisi
Dec 20 '15 at 14:22
suggest improvements |Â
up vote
2
down vote
The difference between a startup and a well-established company is that a well-established company is quite likely to just move on through the years, while a startup has a good chance to be either an enormous success or an enormous failure.
Nobody can reasonably expect from you to work cheaper because it is a startup. What a startup can try to find is people willing to take a gamble by getting less salary right now while getting a huge reward if the company succeeds (and no rewards if it fails). However, this cannot be based on vague promises. There must be something concrete in your employment contract that fixes what you are getting if the company succeeds. For example, you might be offered a small salary plus share options that might be worth a lot if the company succeeds (or nothing if it fails). It's a gamble, and whether it is acceptable or not is up to you, but that's a reasonable offer for a startup.
Accepting a lower salary with nothing in writing that shows you will benefit from the company's success is something you should never do. Find a company that pays better.
answered Dec 20 '15 at 15:00
gnasher729
70.9k31131222
suggest improvements |Â
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5 Answers
5
active
oldest
votes
5 Answers
5
active
oldest
votes
active
oldest
votes
active
oldest
votes
up vote
7
down vote
accepted
with the constant promise of "opportunities for growth" as the company
develops
Startups work on mutual trust, and you can't stall a raise for your employees with this vague promise. They have families to take care, just like yours.
Plus, we are quite top-heavy, and each time we make an acquisition we
bring in a bunch of new directors. I see no future, but I have no
experience and I might be wrong.
Acquisitions are made when you are kicking ass (yes, literally). They are for expanding or strengthening your position in the market. The acquiring company should be very confident enough, and well off for moving ahead with the deals. Here in your case, I don't think you're ready or confident enough for that.
As a failed startup founder, let me make it clear for you:
You employees are the ones who would be driving your company on their
shoulders, and would also be the ones who'd be there for you when the
ship drowns, but that is only when you treat them well.
No one would be convinced by the promise of "growth opportunities". They're not still out-of-college kids for that. You need to literally make them feel that there is indeed an awesome growth opportunity. And make sure, it is AWESOME, as you are fighting in a very competitive world where there are huge bucks and share options everywhere.
In startups, is it common to offer just a fixed salary over several
years? Or is it a red flag?
Depends. If a startup is well-funded, then there would be hefty salaries. But, as they are rapid growth environments, I definitely see a fixed salary for several years as a red flag.
answered Dec 20 '15 at 14:48
Dawny33
12.2k34563
@JoeStrazzere I agree with you. But, I definitely don't recommend acquisitions in the OP's case. He looks pretty confused about his current situation and company. So, unless he is really confident (not the case here), or driven by the advice of a really good mentor; I don't think acquisitions make sense here :)
– Dawny33
Dec 22 '15 at 14:19
2
@JoeStrazzere Whitey Bulger school of business says you acquire companies by kicking the ass of their present owners until they sign the business over to you. It's much lower risk than spending money on aquiring assets.
– Myles
Dec 22 '15 at 14:44
suggest improvements |Â
up vote
7
down vote
accepted
with the constant promise of "opportunities for growth" as the company
develops
Startups work on mutual trust, and you can't stall a raise for your employees with this vague promise. They have families to take care, just like yours.
Plus, we are quite top-heavy, and each time we make an acquisition we
bring in a bunch of new directors. I see no future, but I have no
experience and I might be wrong.
Acquisitions are made when you are kicking ass (yes, literally). They are for expanding or strengthening your position in the market. The acquiring company should be very confident enough, and well off for moving ahead with the deals. Here in your case, I don't think you're ready or confident enough for that.
As a failed startup founder, let me make it clear for you:
You employees are the ones who would be driving your company on their
shoulders, and would also be the ones who'd be there for you when the
ship drowns, but that is only when you treat them well.
No one would be convinced by the promise of "growth opportunities". They're not still out-of-college kids for that. You need to literally make them feel that there is indeed an awesome growth opportunity. And make sure, it is AWESOME, as you are fighting in a very competitive world where there are huge bucks and share options everywhere.
In startups, is it common to offer just a fixed salary over several
years? Or is it a red flag?
Depends. If a startup is well-funded, then there would be hefty salaries. But, as they are rapid growth environments, I definitely see a fixed salary for several years as a red flag.
answered Dec 20 '15 at 14:48
Dawny33
12.2k34563
@JoeStrazzere I agree with you. But, I definitely don't recommend acquisitions in the OP's case. He looks pretty confused about his current situation and company. So, unless he is really confident (not the case here), or driven by the advice of a really good mentor; I don't think acquisitions make sense here :)
– Dawny33
Dec 22 '15 at 14:19
2
@JoeStrazzere Whitey Bulger school of business says you acquire companies by kicking the ass of their present owners until they sign the business over to you. It's much lower risk than spending money on aquiring assets.
– Myles
Dec 22 '15 at 14:44
suggest improvements |Â
up vote
7
down vote
accepted
up vote
7
down vote
accepted
with the constant promise of "opportunities for growth" as the company
develops
Startups work on mutual trust, and you can't stall a raise for your employees with this vague promise. They have families to take care, just like yours.
Plus, we are quite top-heavy, and each time we make an acquisition we
bring in a bunch of new directors. I see no future, but I have no
experience and I might be wrong.
Acquisitions are made when you are kicking ass (yes, literally). They are for expanding or strengthening your position in the market. The acquiring company should be very confident enough, and well off for moving ahead with the deals. Here in your case, I don't think you're ready or confident enough for that.
As a failed startup founder, let me make it clear for you:
You employees are the ones who would be driving your company on their
shoulders, and would also be the ones who'd be there for you when the
ship drowns, but that is only when you treat them well.
No one would be convinced by the promise of "growth opportunities". They're not still out-of-college kids for that. You need to literally make them feel that there is indeed an awesome growth opportunity. And make sure, it is AWESOME, as you are fighting in a very competitive world where there are huge bucks and share options everywhere.
In startups, is it common to offer just a fixed salary over several
years? Or is it a red flag?
Depends. If a startup is well-funded, then there would be hefty salaries. But, as they are rapid growth environments, I definitely see a fixed salary for several years as a red flag.
answered Dec 20 '15 at 14:48
Dawny33
12.2k34563
with the constant promise of "opportunities for growth" as the company
develops
Startups work on mutual trust, and you can't stall a raise for your employees with this vague promise. They have families to take care, just like yours.
Plus, we are quite top-heavy, and each time we make an acquisition we
bring in a bunch of new directors. I see no future, but I have no
experience and I might be wrong.
Acquisitions are made when you are kicking ass (yes, literally). They are for expanding or strengthening your position in the market. The acquiring company should be very confident enough, and well off for moving ahead with the deals. Here in your case, I don't think you're ready or confident enough for that.
As a failed startup founder, let me make it clear for you:
You employees are the ones who would be driving your company on their
shoulders, and would also be the ones who'd be there for you when the
ship drowns, but that is only when you treat them well.
No one would be convinced by the promise of "growth opportunities". They're not still out-of-college kids for that. You need to literally make them feel that there is indeed an awesome growth opportunity. And make sure, it is AWESOME, as you are fighting in a very competitive world where there are huge bucks and share options everywhere.
In startups, is it common to offer just a fixed salary over several
years? Or is it a red flag?
Depends. If a startup is well-funded, then there would be hefty salaries. But, as they are rapid growth environments, I definitely see a fixed salary for several years as a red flag.
answered Dec 20 '15 at 14:48
Dawny33
12.2k34563
edited Dec 22 '15 at 14:11
answered Dec 20 '15 at 14:48
Dawny33
12.2k34563
answered Dec 20 '15 at 14:48
Dawny33
12.2k34563
answered Dec 20 '15 at 14:48
Dawny33
12.2k34563
12.2k34563
@JoeStrazzere I agree with you. But, I definitely don't recommend acquisitions in the OP's case. He looks pretty confused about his current situation and company. So, unless he is really confident (not the case here), or driven by the advice of a really good mentor; I don't think acquisitions make sense here :)
– Dawny33
Dec 22 '15 at 14:19
2
@JoeStrazzere Whitey Bulger school of business says you acquire companies by kicking the ass of their present owners until they sign the business over to you. It's much lower risk than spending money on aquiring assets.
– Myles
Dec 22 '15 at 14:44
suggest improvements |Â
@JoeStrazzere I agree with you. But, I definitely don't recommend acquisitions in the OP's case. He looks pretty confused about his current situation and company. So, unless he is really confident (not the case here), or driven by the advice of a really good mentor; I don't think acquisitions make sense here :)
– Dawny33
Dec 22 '15 at 14:19
2
@JoeStrazzere Whitey Bulger school of business says you acquire companies by kicking the ass of their present owners until they sign the business over to you. It's much lower risk than spending money on aquiring assets.
– Myles
Dec 22 '15 at 14:44
@JoeStrazzere I agree with you. But, I definitely don't recommend acquisitions in the OP's case. He looks pretty confused about his current situation and company. So, unless he is really confident (not the case here), or driven by the advice of a really good mentor; I don't think acquisitions make sense here :)
– Dawny33
Dec 22 '15 at 14:19
@JoeStrazzere I agree with you. But, I definitely don't recommend acquisitions in the OP's case. He looks pretty confused about his current situation and company. So, unless he is really confident (not the case here), or driven by the advice of a really good mentor; I don't think acquisitions make sense here :)
– Dawny33
Dec 22 '15 at 14:19
2
2
@JoeStrazzere Whitey Bulger school of business says you acquire companies by kicking the ass of their present owners until they sign the business over to you. It's much lower risk than spending money on aquiring assets.
– Myles
Dec 22 '15 at 14:44
@JoeStrazzere Whitey Bulger school of business says you acquire companies by kicking the ass of their present owners until they sign the business over to you. It's much lower risk than spending money on aquiring assets.
– Myles
Dec 22 '15 at 14:44
suggest improvements |Â
up vote
17
down vote
You're asking the wrong question! It doesn't matter whether it's "common" or not. You clearly have a terrible feeling about the place and are paid "below market." So go make market somewhere, where you don't have a terrible feeling about the place.
My blunt advice: you smell a fish, so do I. Run, don't walk. I know this is terse but there really isn't a ton more to say about this. Good for them for hiring so many people for cheap. You shouldn't be one of them.
suggest improvements |Â
up vote
17
down vote
You're asking the wrong question! It doesn't matter whether it's "common" or not. You clearly have a terrible feeling about the place and are paid "below market." So go make market somewhere, where you don't have a terrible feeling about the place.
My blunt advice: you smell a fish, so do I. Run, don't walk. I know this is terse but there really isn't a ton more to say about this. Good for them for hiring so many people for cheap. You shouldn't be one of them.
suggest improvements |Â
up vote
17
down vote
up vote
17
down vote
You're asking the wrong question! It doesn't matter whether it's "common" or not. You clearly have a terrible feeling about the place and are paid "below market." So go make market somewhere, where you don't have a terrible feeling about the place.
My blunt advice: you smell a fish, so do I. Run, don't walk. I know this is terse but there really isn't a ton more to say about this. Good for them for hiring so many people for cheap. You shouldn't be one of them.
You're asking the wrong question! It doesn't matter whether it's "common" or not. You clearly have a terrible feeling about the place and are paid "below market." So go make market somewhere, where you don't have a terrible feeling about the place.
My blunt advice: you smell a fish, so do I. Run, don't walk. I know this is terse but there really isn't a ton more to say about this. Good for them for hiring so many people for cheap. You shouldn't be one of them.
answered Dec 20 '15 at 1:22
user42272
suggest improvements |Â
suggest improvements |Â
up vote
6
down vote
Low pay is common enough with many startups. But everything else you mentioned is too vague to take the chance on growing with the company. In my experience when it's increasingly top heavy, it's usually a funding issue, and the top will eat the funding until it all collapses.
Nothing you have mentioned would make that job attractive to me. You're expendable from the start. Opportunities for growth is not a real promise of anything.
answered Dec 20 '15 at 1:47
Kilisi
94.7k50216376
suggest improvements |Â
up vote
6
down vote
Low pay is common enough with many startups. But everything else you mentioned is too vague to take the chance on growing with the company. In my experience when it's increasingly top heavy, it's usually a funding issue, and the top will eat the funding until it all collapses.
Nothing you have mentioned would make that job attractive to me. You're expendable from the start. Opportunities for growth is not a real promise of anything.
answered Dec 20 '15 at 1:47
Kilisi
94.7k50216376
suggest improvements |Â
up vote
6
down vote
up vote
6
down vote
Low pay is common enough with many startups. But everything else you mentioned is too vague to take the chance on growing with the company. In my experience when it's increasingly top heavy, it's usually a funding issue, and the top will eat the funding until it all collapses.
Nothing you have mentioned would make that job attractive to me. You're expendable from the start. Opportunities for growth is not a real promise of anything.
answered Dec 20 '15 at 1:47
Kilisi
94.7k50216376
Low pay is common enough with many startups. But everything else you mentioned is too vague to take the chance on growing with the company. In my experience when it's increasingly top heavy, it's usually a funding issue, and the top will eat the funding until it all collapses.
Nothing you have mentioned would make that job attractive to me. You're expendable from the start. Opportunities for growth is not a real promise of anything.
answered Dec 20 '15 at 1:47
Kilisi
94.7k50216376
answered Dec 20 '15 at 1:47
Kilisi
94.7k50216376
answered Dec 20 '15 at 1:47
Kilisi
94.7k50216376
answered Dec 20 '15 at 1:47
Kilisi
94.7k50216376
94.7k50216376
suggest improvements |Â
suggest improvements |Â
up vote
2
down vote
this is an expression of my opinion only not to be confused for advice I think you have the wrong definition of a start up. You have around 300 employees I would say it's a mid size company. And actually I think you're company shed the start up tag long as you say for several years it's been around. And not to forget the part where there is acquisition of other company.
answered Dec 20 '15 at 12:24
war_Hero
1379
OK, so it's a mid-sized company. Are low pay, no bonuses, no salary rises, no shares normal in a mid-size company?
– Monoandale
Dec 20 '15 at 12:29
4
no they're not, unless you're in some godforsaken country living on the edge of starvation
– Kilisi
Dec 20 '15 at 14:22
suggest improvements |Â
up vote
2
down vote
this is an expression of my opinion only not to be confused for advice I think you have the wrong definition of a start up. You have around 300 employees I would say it's a mid size company. And actually I think you're company shed the start up tag long as you say for several years it's been around. And not to forget the part where there is acquisition of other company.
answered Dec 20 '15 at 12:24
war_Hero
1379
OK, so it's a mid-sized company. Are low pay, no bonuses, no salary rises, no shares normal in a mid-size company?
– Monoandale
Dec 20 '15 at 12:29
4
no they're not, unless you're in some godforsaken country living on the edge of starvation
– Kilisi
Dec 20 '15 at 14:22
suggest improvements |Â
up vote
2
down vote
up vote
2
down vote
this is an expression of my opinion only not to be confused for advice I think you have the wrong definition of a start up. You have around 300 employees I would say it's a mid size company. And actually I think you're company shed the start up tag long as you say for several years it's been around. And not to forget the part where there is acquisition of other company.
answered Dec 20 '15 at 12:24
war_Hero
1379
this is an expression of my opinion only not to be confused for advice I think you have the wrong definition of a start up. You have around 300 employees I would say it's a mid size company. And actually I think you're company shed the start up tag long as you say for several years it's been around. And not to forget the part where there is acquisition of other company.
answered Dec 20 '15 at 12:24
war_Hero
1379
answered Dec 20 '15 at 12:24
war_Hero
1379
answered Dec 20 '15 at 12:24
war_Hero
1379
answered Dec 20 '15 at 12:24
war_Hero
1379
1379
OK, so it's a mid-sized company. Are low pay, no bonuses, no salary rises, no shares normal in a mid-size company?
– Monoandale
Dec 20 '15 at 12:29
4
no they're not, unless you're in some godforsaken country living on the edge of starvation
– Kilisi
Dec 20 '15 at 14:22
suggest improvements |Â
OK, so it's a mid-sized company. Are low pay, no bonuses, no salary rises, no shares normal in a mid-size company?
– Monoandale
Dec 20 '15 at 12:29
4
no they're not, unless you're in some godforsaken country living on the edge of starvation
– Kilisi
Dec 20 '15 at 14:22
OK, so it's a mid-sized company. Are low pay, no bonuses, no salary rises, no shares normal in a mid-size company?
– Monoandale
Dec 20 '15 at 12:29
OK, so it's a mid-sized company. Are low pay, no bonuses, no salary rises, no shares normal in a mid-size company?
– Monoandale
Dec 20 '15 at 12:29
4
4
no they're not, unless you're in some godforsaken country living on the edge of starvation
– Kilisi
Dec 20 '15 at 14:22
no they're not, unless you're in some godforsaken country living on the edge of starvation
– Kilisi
Dec 20 '15 at 14:22
suggest improvements |Â
up vote
2
down vote
The difference between a startup and a well-established company is that a well-established company is quite likely to just move on through the years, while a startup has a good chance to be either an enormous success or an enormous failure.
Nobody can reasonably expect from you to work cheaper because it is a startup. What a startup can try to find is people willing to take a gamble by getting less salary right now while getting a huge reward if the company succeeds (and no rewards if it fails). However, this cannot be based on vague promises. There must be something concrete in your employment contract that fixes what you are getting if the company succeeds. For example, you might be offered a small salary plus share options that might be worth a lot if the company succeeds (or nothing if it fails). It's a gamble, and whether it is acceptable or not is up to you, but that's a reasonable offer for a startup.
Accepting a lower salary with nothing in writing that shows you will benefit from the company's success is something you should never do. Find a company that pays better.
answered Dec 20 '15 at 15:00
gnasher729
70.9k31131222
suggest improvements |Â
up vote
2
down vote
The difference between a startup and a well-established company is that a well-established company is quite likely to just move on through the years, while a startup has a good chance to be either an enormous success or an enormous failure.
Nobody can reasonably expect from you to work cheaper because it is a startup. What a startup can try to find is people willing to take a gamble by getting less salary right now while getting a huge reward if the company succeeds (and no rewards if it fails). However, this cannot be based on vague promises. There must be something concrete in your employment contract that fixes what you are getting if the company succeeds. For example, you might be offered a small salary plus share options that might be worth a lot if the company succeeds (or nothing if it fails). It's a gamble, and whether it is acceptable or not is up to you, but that's a reasonable offer for a startup.
Accepting a lower salary with nothing in writing that shows you will benefit from the company's success is something you should never do. Find a company that pays better.
answered Dec 20 '15 at 15:00
gnasher729
70.9k31131222
suggest improvements |Â
up vote
2
down vote
up vote
2
down vote
The difference between a startup and a well-established company is that a well-established company is quite likely to just move on through the years, while a startup has a good chance to be either an enormous success or an enormous failure.
Nobody can reasonably expect from you to work cheaper because it is a startup. What a startup can try to find is people willing to take a gamble by getting less salary right now while getting a huge reward if the company succeeds (and no rewards if it fails). However, this cannot be based on vague promises. There must be something concrete in your employment contract that fixes what you are getting if the company succeeds. For example, you might be offered a small salary plus share options that might be worth a lot if the company succeeds (or nothing if it fails). It's a gamble, and whether it is acceptable or not is up to you, but that's a reasonable offer for a startup.
Accepting a lower salary with nothing in writing that shows you will benefit from the company's success is something you should never do. Find a company that pays better.
answered Dec 20 '15 at 15:00
gnasher729
70.9k31131222
The difference between a startup and a well-established company is that a well-established company is quite likely to just move on through the years, while a startup has a good chance to be either an enormous success or an enormous failure.
Nobody can reasonably expect from you to work cheaper because it is a startup. What a startup can try to find is people willing to take a gamble by getting less salary right now while getting a huge reward if the company succeeds (and no rewards if it fails). However, this cannot be based on vague promises. There must be something concrete in your employment contract that fixes what you are getting if the company succeeds. For example, you might be offered a small salary plus share options that might be worth a lot if the company succeeds (or nothing if it fails). It's a gamble, and whether it is acceptable or not is up to you, but that's a reasonable offer for a startup.
Accepting a lower salary with nothing in writing that shows you will benefit from the company's success is something you should never do. Find a company that pays better.
answered Dec 20 '15 at 15:00
gnasher729
70.9k31131222
answered Dec 20 '15 at 15:00
gnasher729
70.9k31131222
answered Dec 20 '15 at 15:00
gnasher729
70.9k31131222
answered Dec 20 '15 at 15:00
gnasher729
70.9k31131222
70.9k31131222
suggest improvements |Â
suggest improvements |Â
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2
If you're goint to take a pay reduction, you need a written commitment that they will try to make it up go you in some form. That may be a promise of a retroactive raise when some reasonable milestone us reached, stock options, or other arrangement or combination ... but there should be some recognition that you're doing them a favor by accepting delayed payment and a clear and documented statement of when and how they will reward that sacrifice. Assuming the company survives that long. Equity per se may go only to founders who spent some time working for no wages; ask your management.
– keshlam
Dec 20 '15 at 1:11
1
@JoeStrazzere: Happens with large companies too. One such period was responsible for the alternative expansion of IBM, I've Been Moved --- to avoid laying folks off, not only were salaries frozen but there was a lot of shuffling people to the places they were most needed.
– keshlam
Dec 20 '15 at 18:00
2
"Opportunities for growth" without anything to make up for it is just a B.S. excuse not to pay you what you're really worth. Stop letting them take advantage, go find a better job.
– DLS3141
Dec 21 '15 at 18:12
1
@Monoandale If you had an equity stake, it may be worth riding things out. However, without one, it sounds like you're being taken advantage of. The company isn't in trouble - they're rapidly growing and taking on new people. At least start putting out feelers to see what you can get elsewhere.
– Dan Lyons
Dec 22 '15 at 18:47
1
Amazon makes no profit either. A company can easily make profits disappear from the books, especially if invests heavily in growth.
– CodesInChaos
Dec 22 '15 at 22:39