If I were a dev there I would start looking for another job -- a CEO that can string an individual along like that probably has no qualms about screwing other people.  It is only a matter of time before (s)he does it again and fires someone for being &quot;disloyal&quot;  So don&#x27;t look at it as a fault with you as you just happened to be the person it happened to on that day.<p>Also for a laugh &#x2F; attitude change take a look at this flowchart [1] which is geared to graphic designers who always get asked to do work for free.  In your case substitute &quot;intern&quot; in there and &quot;reduced salary&quot; for free.  You&#x27;ve got a lot of valuable skills and people should pay accordingly.<p>Don&#x27;t be afraid to ask for a reasonable salary, even if it was 2x what you were making before.  While this sounds easy to do, practice doing it with some friends in a mock interview.  You want to be prepared when going in for an interview and not asking for the right salary is a big mistake a lot of programmers make as they want to avoid confrontation.  Become comfortable with asking it and you&#x27;ll get what you want.<p>[1] <a href="http:&#x2F;&#x2F;shouldiworkforfree.com&#x2F;" rel="nofollow">http:&#x2F;&#x2F;shouldiworkforfree.com&#x2F;</a>