Obviously my experience is my own, but the the net value of my stock was $0 from my three startups (2 acquired and 1 is a lifestyle business for the founder).
I was VP Eng at the last one and did receive a 6 figure bonus (everyone got at least 5 figures, minimum of $20k) and everyone also got new offers with the acquiring public company that included ~20% raises and RSU grants.
For me, all of that combined was equal to my first year at a FAANG, even before accounting for stock increases.
I'm now back as VP at a different startup, though one that's got a much better product and actual customers. It was a 65% pay cut (I view options as a lottery ticket).
For me, startups are more about the experience, than about the money. When a C level exec made a comment about some people not working as hard as themselves (they're a 24/7 kind of person), I pointed out that a) we pay decently well at about 75th percentile but b) the 0.025% or less equity those people have will possibly be enough after taxes to buy a vehicle, even in some wild multi-billion dollar exit scenario. Multiple years of slaving at a (real or virtual) office isn't worth that.
I was VP Eng at the last one and did receive a 6 figure bonus (everyone got at least 5 figures, minimum of $20k) and everyone also got new offers with the acquiring public company that included ~20% raises and RSU grants.
For me, all of that combined was equal to my first year at a FAANG, even before accounting for stock increases.
I'm now back as VP at a different startup, though one that's got a much better product and actual customers. It was a 65% pay cut (I view options as a lottery ticket).
For me, startups are more about the experience, than about the money. When a C level exec made a comment about some people not working as hard as themselves (they're a 24/7 kind of person), I pointed out that a) we pay decently well at about 75th percentile but b) the 0.025% or less equity those people have will possibly be enough after taxes to buy a vehicle, even in some wild multi-billion dollar exit scenario. Multiple years of slaving at a (real or virtual) office isn't worth that.