Ask HN: Is overtime to be expected working for a startup?

https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=3449000

by AlexCR • 15 years ago

1 5 15 years ago

news.ycombinator.com

I know an original founder of a startup must make it their life (or even if it isn't a startup, the CEO often must do so).

I'm applying to various startups in SF, as a developer, and want to know if I'll be taken seriously if I communicate that I will only work paid overtime. Has anybody here been hired to a tech startup in SF and what was the expectation?

paulhauggis• 15 years ago

I think most startups will be turned off by paid overtime. Working at a startup is a risk (for the owners and the employees). You will most likely be expected to work long hours without extra pay.

If you don't want to do this you may want to reconsider working at a startup.

mindcrime• 15 years ago

I think you'll have a hard time finding a scenario for paid overtime. If you're joining as employee 1 or 2 or 3 or something, and getting a significant chunk of equity, then I really doubt a group of founders would go along with that. But even if you're employee #2371, as a developer you'll usually be hired as an "exempt" (salaried) employee anyway and not get paid for overtime.

If you really want to make sure you get paid for all the hours you work, you might consider setting up shop as a consultant / contractor and pursuing opportunities to to corp-to-corp arrangements. I'm still not sure how many startups will be onboard with that, but if you have some very specific skill or talent you might be able to swing it.

yShrike• 15 years ago

If you're thinking that you need to be paid for overtime, then I don't think a start-up is a good fit. The whole idea of start-up if deferred payment.

Consulting is the only way that I'm aware of where the convention is you are paid hourly.

AlexCR• 15 years ago

I'm didn't saying I expect overtime and a significant chunk of equity, I didn't mention equity at all. I want one or the other, and if it's equity then I want the equity to factor in the overtime I put in.

I've seen companies that have 300 people call themselves startups (~ 6 years old). In companies such as this, the prospect of new rapid growth is doubtful and my share of equity would be minimal, yet there seemed to be an attitude that overtime would be expected.

Again, asking people who have actually worked in an SF startup: What kind of ownership % can a developer person working in a 20 person company expect?

neurokinetikz• 15 years ago

No, you will not be taken seriously. Seriously.

Ask HN: Is overtime to be expected working for a startup?

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