Comment by devmonk

I personally don't think options are usually a good deal unless you believe that you'll be working for the next Google, Facebook, etc. I worked for a company that was hot as pizza cheese on your gums straight from the oven, but I didn't take options because of past experience and advice from others, and in the end, I was glad that I didn't. Despite its growth, it mostly fizzled, and in the process of that growth, it took on a great deal of investment, and those options were diluted like nobody's business.

But, if you really like the opportunity and believe in it, and your family isn't sacrificed, then go for it. You only live once (well at least that's what I believe).