You are listing companies that in several cases have been around for decades. I was really thinking about the startups I have been involved with. I have never

You are listing companies that in several cases have been around for decades. I was really thinking about the startups I have been involved with. I have never worked for a FAANG and have never had desire to. Also, the odds of 95% of HN readers actually getting a half a million dollar payout are probably extremely low. My guess is most will have my experience. If you like working at Facebook you also don't have to give up compensation for equity, so you will get a decent salary, not give up market value comp for equity and then never be made whole. :) I value equity a lot. Where I work I have 100% of the equity.