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Yes. Because you’re literally the same as the founder, but getting waaaay less equity.

First employee is always a sucker

But you're getting paid a good salary for many while they probably might not. Also I'd be sleeping well at night as I can jump ship the second I'm not happy, my reputation won't be tarnished by that.

So I am not sure it's that easy.

Of course, the idea is to keep the same work/life balance one would have at a more established company.

It is that easy. Employee 1 is getting paid below market. That’s why they offer 0.9% equity. Meanwhile, the founders are also getting paid. No one is working for free. One of the first things VCs tell you is to make yourself comfortable so you can concentrate on the company. That’s literally one of the reasons why VCs tell founders to sell equity early, to make up for lost income, while Employees 1+ has to ride the rocket into the ground.

It’s Baby’s First Labor Exploitation.

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