If you're looking for a more fun and intense ride, join the startup. OTOH depending on how much cash you're saving at the FAANG, 2-3 years there and you'd be in

If you're looking for a more fun and intense ride, join the startup. OTOH depending on how much cash you're saving at the FAANG, 2-3 years there and you'd be in a real cushy position to give something of your own a shot. Just remember: you join at seed stage for the experience of building something from the ground up (and some degree of ownership over what you do). It's a long and uncertain path to if it will ever result in a payday.