> good growth potential and those options work out in your favor, which is actually typically the case
Typically the case? I'll wager that greater than 70% of startup employee options never pay out.
Typically the case? I'll wager that greater than 70% of startup employee options never pay out.
If you don't want to take this risk, choose a different industry. Traditional corporations issue options all the time that pay dividends that consistently net positive value. You may only get a few hundred/thousand per year, but you can depend (somewhat) on the income they generate.
And for a good rest of the other 10%, you'd have been better off investing in something else.
now, if one really is a 'key player' and a 'cornerstone', then equity is where the game's at.