Like most decisions, joining a start-up is a risk vs reward decision. So think about the level of risk you’re comfortable with and/or can mitigate (e.g. less jo

Like most decisions, joining a start-up is a risk vs reward decision. So think about the level of risk you’re comfortable with and/or can mitigate (e.g. less job security but it may not matter if you’re confident you can get another job easily). Then look at the potential rewards and figure out if you’re game for it. Rewards usually include working on something that matters to you; being able to have a real impact on the company’s future; a more fulfilling work environment; learning new stuff/leveling up; being exposed to business/strategy/management/non-technical topics; etc. Notice that financial gain is absent from this list: don’t bank on equity as a golden ticket to millionairedom, I don’t know the numbers but they’re regularly hashed out in HN and you should look at it as a lottery ticket more than anything else. Which brings us to the financials: almost by definition, a start-up’s business plan is incorrect; take it with a huge grain of salt. Burn rate (assuming you can get the number) will give you a sense of the company’ short-term perspective.