Good point. Its interesting to see the comment thread here.

The part to me that I see as surprising is dismissal of the stress of taking VC money and being a founder. It is a job thats incredibly demanding. Which is eye opening to me that that's how people see it.

If it was so easy why aren't there more of them and more companies?

Early employee is tough - unless the company is on a significant trajectory the options should be valued at zero. That said being an early employee has other benefits such as being part of an interesting team and work problem. Definitely not a cushy job though (and nor is a founder) - both are significantly hard and for a certain personality type.

Everyone else go join a FANGG and get paid if thats what you are looking for comfy life benefits.