I haven't started a company before, but I've seen several stories on HN similar to the OP. Wouldn't someone have some sort of 1/N share of the company as long a

I haven't started a company before, but I've seen several stories on HN similar to the OP. Wouldn't someone have some sort of 1/N share of the company as long as you work X years contingency? I also suppose you'd have a clause saying that if you left before the vesting cliff due to "expulsion" you'd be awarded your prorated amount of equity. Sounds crazy anyone would agree to anything else.