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Comment by MsMowz | Hacker News Reader

Is it bad to be a 9 to 5 executive? That sounds great from the perspective of the people working there, because then there isn't a culture of overwork.

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It kind of is if you demand more than that from everyone else. A peon is killing himself for 0.5% equity while you’re sitting pretty on a 40% stake. It’s not like people are dumb or blind.

Hopefully you have a salary you are happy with. If you decided to take .5% instead of money you are are betting on the company, at 40% the CEO is putting a bigger bet. The success of the company is something they are responsible for and if it fails it direct affects them and their career prospects. A failed company doesn't reflect badly on a developer and does not follow them into interviews.

My stake is considerably larger than that. It’s what we’re offering to a great new hire. Guys in their mid 20’s, super talented, but nevertheless don’t have a clue.

And enough with this “making a bet” bullshit. Founders aren’t betting their own money, and they are getting paid considerable salaries for their work. IOW they aren’t risking anything. Not even opportunity cost.

Most founders work very hard (without pay) for a long time before getting funded/profitable--if they ever get funded/profitable. Most of their 'reward' comes down to taking this risk, and it definitely has a high opportunity cost.

I wonder why you are not a founder then if it is such a win-win situation as you paint it?

We’re not long time pals with the CEO, like they are with CTO. The company is basically built on my work, and will die if I leave.

Just found your own company if it’s a win/win life/work balance-wise

You don't sound like you're happy there. Perhaps you should consider leaving.

CxO may not be paid salary at all or even finance the whole thing from their personal resources

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