Startup L Jackson said that you should work for a startup not to get rich, but to get a crazy amount of experience.<p>By that token, you, a good programmer should not settle for a lower salary in exchange for equity. You&#x27;ll be working many long days - that&#x27;s what the equity is for. Your salary should still be normal.<p>Don&#x27;t let startups con you out of a normal salary.