I’ve only had one job where they actually meant that. It was a small software company that had been in business since the early 80s, but was still run like a startup.

99.9% of the time, it’s code for “we’ll treat you like the family mule.”

My job offer went like this:

CEO: How much would you like to earn here?

Me: the market average is $90k, so I was thinking $80k to start with, with an increase to $90k after the probationary period.

CEO: Yeah… That number isn’t going to work for me.

Me: Oh… Ok. How about $75k?

CEO: Sorry, you misunderstood me. How does $105k starting with $115k after 90 days sound? I also need you to tell me what you want your job title to be.

Me: Oh wow, thank you. I guess senior systems admin would be a fitting title.

CEO: Nope, you’re going to be a senior security operations engineer so it looks better on your resume.

Fuck Musk for killing that company. That attitude is what you get when the majority of the company has a head of HR background.