Expectations - In a start-up, what happens when the project is finished? What kind of future position can a project manager expect in a start-up? Should I expect to be let go once the product is up and running or will I be expected to morph into something else? The partners say "we can work something out" so I'd just like to know from people in the field what usually happens. It's my first job as a salaried project manager in a start-up One big reason I ask this is because I am getting options, which will be vested over 5 years. I think the project as I'm working on it will be completed in 3, so if the job will most likely end, then I need to have the vesting schedule match. Thanks for your feedback!

Your being retained is going to be based on at least four variables:

1. **Your performance.** This is pretty self-explanatory. You add value you will likely keep your job all things being equal.
2. **Pipeline.** If your company is a one-trick pony you will be out of a job no matter how well you do. Hopefully yours is not the only project they have going.
3. **Business strategy.** If your company plans to be bought out you have less job security than one that plans to stick around. You may be able to get a feeling for this by looking at how competent your sales force is.
4. **Cashflow.** You want [(Investment Capital Available in $$) / (Burn Rate in $$ per year)] to be larger than the duration of your project. How much larger depends on your risk tolerance.



Unfortunately, if you aren't a founder/partner in the organization you can only exert control over the first item on the list.