People are forgetting that a start-up is inherently an unnatural place for employment. Given a choice, a rational decision will always be to work with the big c

People are forgetting that a start-up is inherently an unnatural place for employment. Given a choice, a rational decision will always be to work with the big companies, specially if those big companies are among the FAANGMU (or whatever abbreviation it is). And it's not only the money. The money is good no doubt, but it's the brand recognition. I know several folks who went to work at Amazon on a pay cut for a couple of years, and jumped way ahead on their next gig with a badge of honor of being an ex-amazon employee. Now, the question is will you leave that job for a start-up. It really depends on your situation. Have you already been an employee of the big co? Then, sure go for it. Your employment at FANGMU has pretty much guaranteed you employment at middle tier companies with a good salary. No start-up has that kind of clout.