Be careful with the assumption that you can just "cash out" -- firstly some companies simply will not let you...you are stuck with the equity for 10+ years unti

Be careful with the assumption that you can just "cash out" -- firstly some companies simply will not let you...you are stuck with the equity for 10+ years until an IPO. If you are allowed to sell, selling in the private market is not as easy as eTrade -- you will pay a big commission and you only get what someone is willing to pay. See http://www.ft.com/intl/cms/s/0/27e9444c-0879-11e5-85de-00144feabdc0.html#axzz3jcuUW6A9 http://www.ft.com/intl/cms/s/0/27e9444c-0879-11e5-85de-00144...