On the other hands, some founders are amazing. I'm currently working at a biotech startup started by a very successful serial founder. At this company, the founder hired people that he has worked with before, so my colleagues are top-notch. The founder respects everyone he hired (and vice versa). The short-term compensation is highly competitive and rather than options, all employees were able to purchase shares (and the cost was covered by a bonus). All of the employees are regularly briefed on the fund-raising prospects (SAFE notes, Series A). Of course, I had just resigned from a company that fit the OP's description all too well.