Re “works on projects across the country and has great connections with a lot of important people”, I can’t help but wonder how much of this is verifiable and how much is just hot air blown your way.
Anyway, adding another “no” to the chorus. Good luck to you, OP, sounds like you’re having a good start.
Agree with the others. That’s even worse.
“Oh, actually I have a room open in my house…”
Eww…
You need to watch more American Greed on TV, a lot of people appear rich and respected but are scam artists. They even donate lots of money to charity.
One more joining the chorus: Absolutely, positively NO! For all of the reasons mentioned above. But if you are still even entertaining this ridiculously stupid idea, I’ll be glad to pile on with a few more reasons.
Thanks for all your advice! Just for an update, I sent the email turning the offer down. He replied saying he was disappointed and asked if I can work on smaller projects remotely. Not happening at this point until I get a feel of my schedule at my current job. I feel relieved now
Thanks for letting us know what happened, @strongbeans12.
I think you did a good job handling the situation.
@strongbeans12, good move on your part. I’m glad that you said no. He was trying to take advantage of you, and you already have a good job.
I would consider getting a new mentor. This guy sounds like a creep.
As an angel investor, he well knows that nobody should be expected to work for free. At a minimum, he should give you some of the stock in the companies that he probably gets when he advises them, and a title.
Good job!
@Strongbeans12, I am just now reading the thread - can you get a new mentor? Agree that this guy doesn’t sound like he’s on the up and up.
You have chosen wisely.
All of the red flags:
Not paying you…like others said, this is illegal.
He says he is a millionaire…but do you know that for sure?
Then offering an apartment, to get you away from your parents???, with no pay…even more ridiculous because how would you have $ for food/car/gas/insurance/internet/healthcare etcetc
Sounds like a narcissist/psychopath trying to groom you away from your family.
Wise decision.
I’m curious, as well: Did you ever actually vet the credentials of this “angel investor”? It’s not that hard to do, and I can’t tell you how many folks like this guy are nothing more than flimflam artists wearing flashy suits and driving fancy cars.
Hi All! The person is actually legit. That was never the issue. He was tapped by a mayor to head the city’s development and is doing pretty big things there–innovative things. We all knew he had money bec he donated a lot to my high school to build another wing of it, etc. The thing is, I abs love the work that he does and aspire to do it myself one day. The work I am doing now, however, I am not so inspired by. He recently offered to match my current salary and I am feeling an urge to give my current job a two weeks notice. its been great working in the program but I am not really loving or interested in what im doing. another dilemma and i didnt expect to feel this way
So he offered to match your current salary, where just a little while ago he wanted you to work for free?
Would you have a contract? Because he could just as easily decide to stop paying you at any point. Never forget that he didn’t want to pay you.
IF he’s willing to match your current salary, @strongbeans12, AND he’s willing to give you a one-year contract (with an option to renew if you both agree, which also allows you to renegotiate your salary), then I would say go for it. It sounds like you’ve vetted him more thoroughly and feel confident that he is who he represents himself to be, so that makes it less risky IMO.
And good for you for learning how to negotiate (your turning him down last summer was the smart thing to do.) Negotiating with a prospective employers isn’t always easy to do, especially for women in my experience, and you’ve just proven you can do it, and do it effectively.
Good luck!
Will he match any of your benefits (insurance, vacation, 401k, etc)?
@jym626 LOL! i wish my current position provided that. It’s a program where I’m not a full time perm employee. I’m contracted
And that is a good point. He did once not want to pay me and that was ODD. Maybe he came to his senses? Idk this is a really hard decision
Don’t be afraid to ask for more than a match. After all, he’s asking you to leave your current position. One good rule in life is not to leave job 1 for job 2 unless 2 pays better/ has better benefits / offers a better path to advancement. “Matching” an offer is what current employers do to keep a valued employee from leaving.