"in this type of culture its expected that you earn less"
"in this type of culture its expected that you earn less"
(This is not meant as a criticism of ZenPayroll or their front-end lead in particular, especially since this instance is just hearsay, but I've come across the attitude described before and have found it personally baffling every time.)
To flip your question around: Is there any other for-profit industry where employers wouldn't laugh in your face for saying you would like 0.8% of the company worth in stock options in addition to your salary...
It all boils down to whether you believe in the company you are building. If it is positioned to do great, then of course you would want the equity for that IPO. If you don't have that faith, then what are you doing interviewing at that company anyways...Use your skills to get a higher paying job without the options.
It's easy to get lured into the excitement of working in a "start-up culture" but you will recognize the red flags after one has sucked you dry without adding much to your finances.