[JSeymourATL]

Leaving $10-$15K on the table is significant. Start-up equity are lottery tickets, with more losers than winners.

Areas to explore: What's your time worth? What if you traded equity for 8 weeks paid vacation instead? Is there any specific/unique work experience (apprenticeship education) you could get at this firm?

[tmaki]

Thanks, that seems like a good way to think about it. I'm a new grad, so I'm definitely going to get a lot of experience with this company. But I just feel that if I pour 60hr/week into it, I don't wanna exit the company 4 yrs later with nothing.

[JSeymourATL]

It's impossible to predict your exit. Too many variables at play beyond your control. The most reasonable expectation is to be fairly compensated for your time. It's the experience you gain, and relationships you make-- that will pay dividends for the rest of your career.