The problem here is that the dream is dying for those of us coming to SF to work in startups. The harsh reality is that more and more of us are going to look towards the better deal at the bigger companies like Google, Facebook, Apple, Netflix, etc. Companies that provide both excellent salaries and benefits along with potentially as lucrative stock grants.
It's time for the startup community to reevaluate the idea that your early employees (say pre 50) should get 0.05% of the company when they take the monetary risk of working for a startup. With such small ownership, it is starting to become a sucker bet.
So for those coming here, keep your eyes open and know that right now it's only founders, management and investors making out and if you are not looking to hit the lottery, you'll do much better working at a bigger company, maxing out that 401k and investing the rest. Or go for lottery but be a founder -- sure, get the experience of working at a startup but keep a careful eye on your personal burn rate (in regards to your potential earnings). And if you're not learning and you still want to learn more, make the move to the next startup. The options just aren't worth the wait.
It's time for the startup community to reevaluate the idea that your early employees (say pre 50) should get 0.05% of the company when they take the monetary risk of working for a startup. With such small ownership, it is starting to become a sucker bet.
So for those coming here, keep your eyes open and know that right now it's only founders, management and investors making out and if you are not looking to hit the lottery, you'll do much better working at a bigger company, maxing out that 401k and investing the rest. Or go for lottery but be a founder -- sure, get the experience of working at a startup but keep a careful eye on your personal burn rate (in regards to your potential earnings). And if you're not learning and you still want to learn more, make the move to the next startup. The options just aren't worth the wait.