Back in December I took a position lower on the hierarchy than I am qualified.

It is because the office is a startup and they know I'm a good one to have on the bench when they do get big enough to warrant a General Manager. I also took the position because I was depleting my savings after a reduction in force at my previous job. I needed to move on an offer. Now, though, it is obvious the office is in need of direct leadership on site in its startup pains. They have identified me as their "Golden Ticket" to be this leader. But, apparently golden tickets are free because they are offering me no additional pay or benefits for this increase in responsibility. They told me I would be eligible for significant discretionary bonus at the end of the year. That does NOT sit well with me at all. BUT, I said yes because at least I'm in control of the direction of our growth and culture we're building. And I don't have anything but my pride to lose. Meanwhile, one of the opportunities I was chasing back in the fall has resurfaced and they will likely offer me a position next week. It is a significant pay increase doing what is more in line with what I want to do. Clearly my choice is easy, but I guess I'm looking for permission to not feel guilty about leaving this startup without the leadership and guidance it needs after giving a verbal commitment to running point. EDIT TO ADD: Let me add that this is the largest company of its kind on the planet. They usually expand through acquisitions, but this one was a new office because there were no existing businesses to buy out. Resources is NOT the problem. It's their way. They actually told me that the rest of the world pays you well and hopes you do a good job. This company asks you to do a good job and rewards you on the back end. Also, a part of me thinks they would never do this to a man. And the reason we need leadership is because the man that was there (splitting his time between three locations) couldn't do the job.