Counterexample: I was hired straight out of school at a big company 2 1&#x2F;2 years ago, at slightly more than the author describes (100k and change salary, ~100k equity over four years, 15% bonus target). I&#x27;ve been promoted twice, and my income over the next year will hit the double mark for total compensation.<p>I&#x27;ve been promoted faster than most, but my numbers stretched over a 5 year timespan still work out.