117 karma · joined February 3, 2011
I wonder what techniques startups are using to recruit quality talent in the Bay Area.
Not for Indians, like me, who are waiting in line for 10+ years due to per country cap.
Consider an example of new grad with CS major working in major software company. Currently new grads start at $120k total package (base + RSU/stock + bonus). After maxing out 401k, taxes, rent(with roomates), car payments etc., one can save $35k-$40k per year. So for a couple having worked for 5 years each could save $35k * 5 * 2 = $350k in total. Use $250k to make downpayment to buy $1.25M home making most of mortgage interest deduction. That's how myself and most of my Indian tech friends in Bay Area bought homes. Being lucky in an IPO also helps. Above calculation assumes no student or credit card debt.
This obviously depends on the strike price on joining the company and how much money employee is okay to lose in case company goes bust. If not all, some ISOs can be early exercised.
In my case, I early exercised around 25% of ISOs soon after joining. In hind-sight I should have early exercised more as the company did go IPO around 2 years after I started...