I would be very wary of options with a pre IPO organization. I have experienced harrowing situations that I would not wish for anyone while on the trail to IPO. Normally stable humans come unglued at the prospect of millions of dollars. Amazing feats of stupidity are the norm. And lately, it is getting even worse as people think the money train is departing from the market.
For the post IPO organization it is another deal entirely. Generally, the real money is gone and the fighting is over scraps. The "stock option" is just a carrot to keep you there longer. So, you stay in your crappy job because it would be *stupid* to leave because you would forfeit your options. The organization has a vested interest in giving you more un vested shares to keep you ticking. Eventually, you wake up one day and find the best years of your life spent in some cube with annoying people and no respect. Most people I know with lots of potential money tied up in options are psychologically stuck in "just three more years" mode. In this accelerated world, the absolute worst situation to be in is to be in a situation you cannot leave.
In my world, a much better prospect is to work for a small flexible company that pays well, has interesting people, and offers opportunity for personal growth. If you cannot find one of these companies... then make one.
PS - As with every opinion, there are exceptions. Just realize that they are exeptions.
Slashdot Mirror
I would be very wary of options with a pre IPO organization. I have experienced harrowing situations that I would not wish for anyone while on the trail to IPO. Normally stable humans come unglued at the prospect of millions of dollars. Amazing feats of stupidity are the norm. And lately, it is getting even worse as people think the money train is departing from the market.
For the post IPO organization it is another deal entirely. Generally, the real money is gone and the fighting is over scraps. The "stock option" is just a carrot to keep you there longer. So, you stay in your crappy job because it would be *stupid* to leave because you would forfeit your options. The organization has a vested interest in giving you more un vested shares to keep you ticking. Eventually, you wake up one day and find the best years of your life spent in some cube with annoying people and no respect. Most people I know with lots of potential money tied up in options are psychologically stuck in "just three more years" mode. In this accelerated world, the absolute worst situation to be in is to be in a situation you cannot leave.
In my world, a much better prospect is to work for a small flexible company that pays well, has interesting people, and offers opportunity for personal growth. If you cannot find one of these companies... then make one.
PS - As with every opinion, there are exceptions. Just realize that they are exeptions.
searches that I have performed many times before now give results that are way worse than they used to be.
does anyone know what happened?
k