Leveraging Startup C-Suite Experience for Better Compensation & Role Alignment

Despite the feeling of an effective pay cut and a misaligned role, your background as a C-suite executive in a chaotic startup environment is a significant asset. You possess valuable leadership, problem-solving, and operational skills, especially in areas like People/Recruiting Ops. The current company is described as 'incredible,' 'printing money,' and offers excellent benefits (remote, unlimited PTO, flexibility, job security). This suggests you have leverage. There are several opportunities: 1. Internal Negotiation: Prepare a strong case highlighting your past achievements, the initial promises (equity, bizops role), and your value to the company. Request a revised compensation package that includes equity and aligns better with market rates for your experience. 2. External Opportunities: Your C-suite title and 'scrappy' experience are highly desirable for other startups, high-growth tech companies, or even larger organizations seeking agile operational leaders. Emphasize your ability to build and scale. 3. Consulting: Leverage your specialized startup operational experience to offer consulting services, which can provide higher rates and more control over your work-life balance. Focus your resume on quantifiable achievements from your C-suite role, problem-solving in ambiguity, and leadership. Expected benefits include securing appropriate compensation (potentially $200k+ base with significant equity/bonuses), a role that aligns with your career aspirations, and improved work-life balance.