Ask HN: My YC company is hiring one engineer/day but there's not enough work

Source: Hacker News

Background

I work at a YC‑backed company that has moved beyond the typical startup phase. We’re currently hiring at an aggressive rate—roughly one new software engineer per day.

Concerns About the Hiring Pace

• Perceived lack of work: I don’t feel there’s enough meaningful projects, clear ownership, or execution needs to justify this level of growth.
• Disconnect from reality: The hiring speed feels out of sync with the actual workload.
• Potential headcount inflation: The pattern reminds me of companies like Bolt that expanded rapidly, only to later face corrections.

Market Context

• AI acceleration: With AI tools boosting individual productivity, I worry that leadership may eventually realize they don’t need as many engineers.
• Economic uncertainty: The current market, especially with rapid AI developments, makes it feel unsafe to voluntarily leave a stable job.

Personal Dilemma

• Pros: The job and salary are good; objectively, I’m lucky.
• Cons: I feel uncomfortable with the unsustainable hiring pace and fear a future correction that could lead to layoffs.
• Decision pressure: Staying feels risky because the environment may become unstable; leaving feels risky because the broader market feels even more uncertain.

Seeking Advice

I’m looking for perspectives from anyone who has experienced a similar situation or who can offer a different view. How should I navigate staying in a role that feels unsustainable versus jumping into a market that feels even more volatile?