It could be worse.<p>There are startups that offer options that don&#x27;t even give you the choice to exercise them even after they &#x27;vest&#x27;. In this case, exercising can only occur after either a sale or IPO event AND the company has to give its blessing; and the company in question wonders why they have trouble with both hiring and retention.<p>I know it sucks but read all the legal terms related to your employment, ideally before you join.