[g8gggu89]

Is the CEO working these same crazy hours? Does the CEO get paid properly and on time? Are you getting paid a reasonable amount, really? Where's the funding coming from and why don't they hire another engineer when they clearly seem to need to?

Are you giving the CEO realistic expectations of when things will get done, including time for prerequisite things?

At a bare minimum, I would keep my resume updated and see if you can find a better offer.

[astartupemp]

I don't know how to measure work that is mostly email and meetings. Some deals have been struck that sound awesome in theory but executing them is a challenge for me in the present scenario. I don't (yet) care about money. I spend a lot on office expenses too and there is again no process for that either and I rarely get paid for those. I'm generally realistic with expectations and deliver on time but I believe there is plenty of accrued technical debt by now that I'm not sure I can manage well going in the future.

[g8gggu89]

> I don't (yet) care about money.

Will you be happy if the startup goes under and they've been paid and you haven't?

[astartupemp]

At this point I have no other expectations than hoping the product scales as has been envisioned and solves the problem at a meaningful scale to justify the 4 years I have put in. I'll figure out the money part somehow or just go broke and get another job.

[greenyoda]

You've already justified the four years you put in by doing much more than your share of the work to keep the company going this long. Nobody can fault an employee for leaving an abusive employer to pursue better opportunities.

Take a step back and realize that your self-worth is not based on the success of this company's product and this company is not your life or your family. With your skills and the experience you've gained from this job, you'll find a new job at a better-run company that will have a better chance of releasing a successful product.

Also, if you quit and they don't pay you every cent you've earned within the number of days required by law, you can file a wage-theft claim with your state's labor department - they're very serious about employers ripping off their employees and will file criminal charges if necessary. There's absolutely no reason why you should go broke because of this company's mismanagement.