If equity is going to be a material component of compensation, then the argument "you're not committed enough, you deserve nothing if you leave..." is utter nonsense.
Imho, many/most of these draconian equity / option terms are nothing more than attempts at 'golden handcuffs' to make it more challenging for employees to leave these startups.
Sadly, they work: I know many who couldn't leave roles til they'd saved up for years, or could finally ink second mortgage on their home, etc in order to purchase all their equity in their 90 day post-exit windows....
If equity is going to be a material component of compensation, then the argument "you're not committed enough, you deserve nothing if you leave..." is utter nonsense.
Imho, many/most of these draconian equity / option terms are nothing more than attempts at 'golden handcuffs' to make it more challenging for employees to leave these startups.
Sadly, they work: I know many who couldn't leave roles til they'd saved up for years, or could finally ink second mortgage on their home, etc in order to purchase all their equity in their 90 day post-exit windows....