Our company revenue is down 1% this year, the first time in 17 years we didn't grow

We choose to do 0 layoffs & gave small raises, crushing our profit

As CEO I'd be fired for this at a big company that requires nonstop growth. But with no investors we can treat employees first.

I started my business at 19 using customers I built up in high school when I had low living expenses. That revenue allowed me to avoid start-up funding.

Most businesses need start-up funding. The VCs then control the company & demand growth/profits that harm employees/customers

So this is a systemic problem: You typically need investor help to start your company. The investor then is in charge and demands profit.

So even if you have good intentions, you're stuck doing whatever your brutal capitalist overlords demand of you.