FWIW I've only worked for one employer that had a restrictive, overzealous IP contract and invention assignment (others have just had routine paperwork about ac

FWIW I've only worked for one employer that had a restrictive, overzealous IP contract and invention assignment (others have just had routine paperwork about acknowledging their ownership of things done during work hours, etc.). It was one of my first jobs and I left after six months. They can't keep good talent, and they either get hangers-on who never leave because they can't hack it anywhere else, or people just using it as a short-term stepping stone and are out the door in 6-12 months. Options do suck, but I guess these are considered less pressing issues because anyone intelligent ignores options more or less completely. If you end up with a windfall from them, that's great, but no one should expect it. Working for equity is for chumps -- demand a decent salary. It's plenty attainable.