[delphinius81]

I worked at a startup for 2 years (left without exercising my options). I objected to options right from the start and during negotiations with the CEO said they should max out my salary in lieu of options. Options are funny money to trick potential employees into thinking their lower salary will pay-out in the end. But the reality is most start-ups do not have exits where rank and file employees get anything for their stock. Investors get paid first, then founders, followed by employees if anything is left - and usually there isn't unless the company has an IPO or was bought out because of superior growth.

That said, I am now co-founding a company and we plan to give future employees a long time period to decide whether they wish to exercise their options or not. If employees are willing to take lower salaries for equity for the sake of the company, companies should reward that sacrifice by letting the employee keep their equity options.