[beachstartup]

i would only ever join a startup as a co-founder. i would never own less % than anyone else, i.e. at least one other founder should have the same equity as i do. that's my personal heuristic, ymmv.

if i'm going to work for someone else it's going to be the most stable situation possible, i.e. an established company with market or better salary and benefits and a reasonable workload.