Hi everyone, Unfortunately things are not looking good for me at my current job. I am working for an early stage startup (only 5 employees) as a Product Manager. I've been here for 1.5 years and have done some cool things and have really enjoyed being a PM. The problem is my CEO. Working for him is becoming unbearable. I don't get my paychecks on time, he owes me almost $4000 out of my salary that he didn't pay me last year, he told me I was going to be getting my stock options contract and benefits within 90 days of joining the company and I still haven't gotten either yet, he constantly makes empty promises and never delivers in general. I told him that he is creating a toxic work environment and I am unhappy and he snapped at me. He said if I can't handle the startup environment then I should work elsewhere. I CAN handle the startup environment, I just can't handle the lies, not getting paid properly, and working for someone I don't trust. I am very close to quitting, however I've been looking for a new job for the past 2 months and have had no luck at all. Do you guys think I should just keep dealing with my working conditions until I can find a new job or should I just quit and make job hunting my 9-5 every day? Working here is depressing, I literally wake up every morning with dread and sadness thinking about having to work for this mess of a company. But I'm worried if I quit, it will take me many more months to find a new job and that will make me even more worried and depressed. I feel like I'm trapped
Get a lawyer?
I will when I move on from this company and find a new job. Unfortunately if I have to stay at this company to remain employed before I find a new opportunity, I'll just have to deal with it for now
Best to stay there until you find something new. Not great being out of work in this climate
It's the tough truth, but it's true nonetheless. Thanks for the advice
Not getting paid : Deal Breaker. Start interviewing.
I agree. I've been applying and interviewing for the past 2 months so far but have had no luck yet. The worst part is, my CEO acts like I'm being unreasonable for complaining that I'm not getting paid because it means I can't handle the startup environment... even though he JUST hired a new c-suite employee last week even though he's not paying me on time
CEO is a tool and quilting you/gas lighting/manipulating you. Work is a contract agreed upon for money for goods or services, and unless you have a major equity stake in this business/are a founder, then you should expect to get paid. When people 'tell you who they are' by their actions...believe them.
What’s your YOE?
2.5 total 1 as a Business Analyst 1.5 as a Product Manager
Unless you feel this startup has great potential I would take more time to find a new opportunity. At the same time, it would be good to show the successful launch of a product. Document what was agreed to and hasn't materialized along with supporting documentation for your way out. The stock issue, that's key IF you think there's something to this. At the same time, could anyone else on the team replace you if you left? If yes, then you don't have leverage to demand the stock contract.
I don't think this startup has potential purely because of the CEO. This guy is going to run the company into the ground with his horrible leadership