Early stage startups

[Startuplife]

I’m interested to hear others experiences in working for early stage start ups.
I joined a start up about 6 months ago and I’m seriously wobbling on whether it was the right decision. It’s about 4 years old and has around 50 members of staff. The founder is now on his second start up with the first becoming a household name so clearly knows what he is doing but there’s a number of things making me question whether this is the right role for me. Admittedly I’m used to glitzy corporate offices and the perks that go alongside that so perhaps I’m just spoilt but interested in others opinions.

• We’re about 6 months away from launching a series B funding round so absolutely everything is about making as much money as possible and spending as little as possible. Our laptops are ancient and incredibly slow, the office is in need of demolition and it’s so cold everyone wears coats and hats.
• There are zero perks. Legal minimum annual leave, pension, maternity pay etc
• I took a pay cut to join the company (way below market rate) and I just feel like me and my team are constantly under pressure to deliver more and more without being given anything in return

I’m so torn because I love the culture and what the company does but I’m not sure that’s actually enough to justify the amount of work required to earn significantly less than I was 3 years ago.

Is this just what start up life is like or should I look for something else?

I work for a startup and while costs are lean it’s not ridiculous, if I need something I can have it.
I have been SE for a while before this role though and involved in startups previously so perks and nice offices aren’t of interest to me at all.
However, I am being paid a decent market rate and have equity

Yes I think that’s the key thing for me. If I knew I was being paid what I’m worth then all the stress might be worth it. But as it is, I’m more stressed than I’ve ever been in a role as well as earning significantly less than I’m used to. There’s also very much a culture of going above and beyond as anyone who doesn’t make the cut is let go pretty quickly which puts fear into everyone else.

That doesn't sound great.
Were you given shares in the company?
When you get the finding is there guarantees things will get better?