> Today, my base salary is $175K, no bonus, no stock refresh since the founder grant, fully vested stock, no severance, no indemnification. (Mainly because I just haven't asked for new comp b.c company is in a difficult spot) - In comparison, I hired a critical new C-Suite exec (COO) and gave her $285K/year
Here is your problem.
Some founders milk company directly on bonuses and pay, there is no "grand exit" when they go public. I think you may be subconsciously aware of that, maybe there is some hidden regret or self-hate etc... Continuing with this frugality may not be way forward.
I would suggest:
- get out of NY, some nice environment near sea or forest, work remotely
- prepare for your exit. Move out of NY to minimize income tax etc..
- can you actually become CEO? If not, it is not your business anymore, not your problem
- find way to increase your take-home money. For start you could pay yourself for overtimes. Maybe if you move out of NY, you may need office there and so on...
- personal brand is worth quite a lot. Maybe there is way to use this startup to build your own.
Here is your problem.
Some founders milk company directly on bonuses and pay, there is no "grand exit" when they go public. I think you may be subconsciously aware of that, maybe there is some hidden regret or self-hate etc... Continuing with this frugality may not be way forward.
I would suggest:
- get out of NY, some nice environment near sea or forest, work remotely
- prepare for your exit. Move out of NY to minimize income tax etc..
- can you actually become CEO? If not, it is not your business anymore, not your problem
- find way to increase your take-home money. For start you could pay yourself for overtimes. Maybe if you move out of NY, you may need office there and so on...
- personal brand is worth quite a lot. Maybe there is way to use this startup to build your own.