If you read any articles about VCs you'll note that most startups fail and even when they don't the multiple investment rounds dilute any stock you might have b

If you read any articles about VCs you'll note that most startups fail and even when they don't the multiple investment rounds dilute any stock you might have been granted. They don't call the rare exceptions "unicorns" for nothing. Besides, it's not salary that is the trap, but Lifestyle. Most people's lifestyles expand to consume their increasing salaries, so taking even a reasonable pay-cut means big changes to lifestyle ... and the loss of bragging rights of working for one of the FAANGs.