The "Ownership" trap in startups
Founders love throwing around words like "ESOPs", "hustle", and "we are a family".
Let's be honest. i gave up my weekends, sleep, and mental health at my first gig because I actually believed I was building something. The reality? I was just burning out so the founders could raise their next round and upgrade their lifestyle.
ESOPs are mostly just monopoly money. And the moment you ask for a decent hike, suddenly the "funding winter" excuse drops.
What is the ONE thing you wish you knew before joining your first startup?
That the best startups are those that don't promise esops and big dreams in the first place. And that they usually don't hire through naukri or LinkedIn.
Brutally honest ones will tell you upfront about work and salary expectations, they don't waste their own time or that of others.
Where should i look for startups?
True that
