I've said it before but it is worth repeating, this article is spot on, and the take away should be never ever ever join a startup because you want to "get rich."

There are only three solid reasons to join a startup:

1) You are passionate about the mission - nothing is more rewarding than engaging passionately in something you strongly believe in and endorse. Start ups have license to pursue ideas that established companies simply cannot.

2) It will improve your skill set - There is only so much you can learn at school or online, some skills have to be practiced to be learned. Start ups can give you a role you want, even if your resume isn't a match. Which will get you over the chicken and egg problem of you don't have experience in the job you want to do to be hired in the job you want to do. That can get you into a job elsewhere where the "entry level" position requires previous experience.

3) You will work with someone you respect - Start ups are small, visible, and stressful. Ask anyone to name 10 people they worked with a BigCo and 10 people they worked with at a startup, the latter is much easier. Stress, higher highs, lower lows, creates stronger bonds. Those friendships will follow you through out your life, they will help when you're looking for advice or a job, and support when you are trying to pull off something really hard to do.

If you choose to join a startup for one of those three reasons it will always deliver.