Alright, let's cut through the noise and talk about something that's been buzzing around the startup world lately – AI startups. You've probably heard all the buzzwords: "Innovative," "Revolutionary," "The Next Big Thing." But here's the thing – not all of them live up to the hype.

Sure, the idea of diving into AI and ML might sound thrilling, but as a job seeker, you've got to tread carefully. There's a fine line between a genuine AI startup and what I like to call an "AI Wrapper."

So, let's break it down.

AI Startup: These folks are in it for the long haul. Their main goal is to innovate and create real value for society. They invest in talent, nurture their employees, and focus on genuine innovation rather than just cloning existing ideas. For them, the startup is more than just a money-making machine – it's a community where everyone's growth is valued.

AI Wrapper: Now, these are the ones you've got to watch out for. Their primary objective is to clone, exploit, and cash in. They may talk a big game about optimization, but in reality, they're just copying what others are doing. They'll lure in talent with promises of growth and advancement, only to exploit them and discard them once their product is ready. Toxic work environments, long hours, and constant fear of job loss are par for the course here.

I've had my fair share of experiences with AI startups that turned out to be nothing more than wrappers in disguise. So, here are a few red flags to watch out for:

1. Lack of experienced senior employees:

   In genuine AI startups, you'd expect a seasoned team providing mentorship and direction, fostering innovation. However, AI Wrappers may lack such experienced leaders, relying on junior staff or inexperienced managers, limiting growth potential and innovation capacity.

2. Guilt-tripping for mistakes:

   Toxic environments use guilt to extract more work for less pay, creating a culture of fear. Employees facing disproportionate blame for minor errors may suffer from eroded morale and self-confidence, hindering productivity and creativity.

3. Toxic workplace culture:

   AI Wrappers foster environments of disrespect, favoritism, and competition, leading to a toxic atmosphere. Bootlickers may be rewarded, leading to resentment among colleagues and a lack of trust in management. Healthy workplaces prioritize respect, collaboration, and work-life balance, ensuring the well-being and productivity of employees.

If you find yourself caught up in one of these AI Wrapper situations, don't hesitate to start looking for new opportunities. Remember, your worth is not determined by how much you're willing to sacrifice for a deceptive company.

Stay true to yourself, stay vigilant, and never let yourself fall victim to the false promises of an AI Wrapper. Your career and well-being are worth far more than that.

Note: Some of the above insights were from my observations and connections(and not totally from my past job experiences)