Pay Yourself Enough to Avoid Debt and Stay Properly Motivated

Founder salaries for startups should not allow excessive savings resembling Google-level earnings but should afford a lifestyle enabling full dedication to the business without distractions. Individual situations vary; some may need higher pay to avoid tipping into debt, which is reasonable. Sacrificing too much for minimal savings can prove counterproductive. There is no universal formula for setting founder salaries, akin to the complexity of equity allocations. Pay yourself adequately to prevent debt and maintain motivation, avoiding oversimplified solutions that may indicate a hidden agenda.