Are you asserting that stock options are the only reason to join a startup? Because that&#x27;s fallacious at the very least. (And by the way, this &quot;Why would you join a startup?&quot; question is exactly what that founder said to me when I tried to negotiate on salary. Not exactly a great way to win people over.)<p>There are plenty of companies that have IPO&#x27;d that offer stock as compensation, by the way. I&#x27;ve worked for a few. That stock directly translates into cash once it vests. (Well, assuming the stock price goes up -- but at least cashing out is an option!)<p>You also seem to be asserting that I&#x27;m rejecting equity completely. As I&#x27;ve said in my parent comments, I&#x27;m certainly not. I&#x27;m simply placing a premium on salary (cash) over stock options (not likely to become cash). Of course I want equity. I don&#x27;t <i>not</i> want it. But it doesn&#x27;t replace salary, and I can&#x27;t pay my rent with options.