I echo the comp aspect. I pretty much had a best case non-unicorn startup exit; wonderful benefits pre-acquisition, actual unlimited PTO, and normal ~40hr/workweek, acquired almost immediately after receiving my shares, golden handcuffs after. My total comp was more or less equivalent to my peers doing the big 4 grind over the same time period. They had zero risk and I had to win the start up lotto.
But if I had to do it all over again, I still might do the startup route. It's just more fun. There's more to life than money.
But if I had to do it all over again, I still might do the startup route. It's just more fun. There's more to life than money.