The author also fails to mention the stock option trap. I've seen offers at early state companies like this: * $150k base (take-home $100k) * $30k/yr options

The author also fails to mention the stock option trap. I've seen offers at early state companies like this: * $150k base (take-home $100k) * $30k/yr options that expire 3 months after you leave or 10 years. You have to either set aside 30% of your take-home to invest in a extremely high risk single stock or you're chained to your desk until the company exits. If you golden handcuff your way to an exit, you better hope the exit happens before the 10 year mark when your options expire.