[bri3d]

I went from full time to contract and failed to exercise vested options shortly before a startup I worked at exited. However, as usual the upside wouldn't have been very lucrative anyway after dilution and preference. I was hired and stayed at the acquirer where we have been given great autonomy to grow into a much larger organization, as well as good pay.

In most cases I suspect your upside as a higher ranking employee at the acquirer will be far more important than your upside from the exit itself. If you are interested in the acquirer you would do well to position yourself to get a good role there.