Comment by kevt

Seems like you are evaluating this completely based on compensation. Here are some possible reasons why you would work at a startup and take a paycut. a) I love the team, I love what they are doing, I love the work that they want me to do... I can't believe they are paying me to do this! b) I can learn so much from this team and experience, and in a couple of years, I'll be ready to do *SOMETHING (ie. start my own company, etc)... I can't believe they are paying me to do this! c) Totally believe in the team and their vision, this is going to be the next facebook, I want to be part of it, my equity can be worth millions, but regardless...I can't believe they are paying me to be part of this! However if your primary objective is to maximize compensation, then you shouldn't take a pay cut to work at a startup.