Question. I started working with a startup right after my Masters when it barely had about 10-12 employees. I got some stock when I started. This was my first start up and so I don't know if what I got was a fair deal (if not a good one).
Now, its been about 4 years since and the company has grown to be about 60-70 employees and I am yet to get a raise, the company still doesn't match 401k etc. I hope the stock pays off eventually, if the company does well, but I am not sure if or when or how good that will be. Reading articles like this or articles that mention salaries that people are offered in other companies, I am beginning to think if "job hop" is probably the way I should go, even though the work environment is fairly good and I have enjoyed my time here.
Get another job first, but yes, market rates go up much faster than 0%. You wouldn't cut an annual check to your boss for $10k just to be a team player. With compound interest, etc., four years of no raises looks like five figures, easy. And that assumes you haven't gotten valuable experience and developed marketable skills in the meantime.
Did you get stock or did you get options? Stock seems very odd to me for a 10-12 person startup. Also, I'm assuming you got a refresher on the equity at some point (otherwise you're no longer vesting after 4 years)? No raises for 4 years is simply unacceptable, regardless. You're losing money at this point. I haven't gone a single year without a substantial raise since I started working.
Options. I am one month away from completing 4 years and vesting completes then too. I did not get any refresher on equity.
As far as I know, there was a round of raises/appraisals and end of year 3 but I was left out. I was on a F1 (student) visa when I started with this company and I was unlucky enough that I didn't get H1B visa until my 3rd attempt (lost the first 2 attempts in the lottery), I am guessing here, but I think I didn't get any raise/equity because they knew I couldn't afford to leave back then with my H1B processing still going on.
Now, its been about 4 years since and the company has grown to be about 60-70 employees and I am yet to get a raise, the company still doesn't match 401k etc. I hope the stock pays off eventually, if the company does well, but I am not sure if or when or how good that will be. Reading articles like this or articles that mention salaries that people are offered in other companies, I am beginning to think if "job hop" is probably the way I should go, even though the work environment is fairly good and I have enjoyed my time here.