Indeed - don't ignore warning signs -- sound advice. Based on personal experience, I'd add - treat all human based organizations as what they are, Bad. The Ba

Indeed - don't ignore warning signs -- sound advice. Based on personal experience, I'd add - treat all human based organizations as what they are, Bad. The Badness is just a matter of degree. All good investors know that all stocks are bad - this is no different. They're bad because people are not 'good' (as we would all like to make ourselves out to be), but rather we're inherently bad, flawed, sinful to some degree - trending hopefully in a more perfected direction but often a more debased one. Add to that the stress of pride, self preservation, greed, deceit, murder (of character), in day-to-day operations - and 'good' organizations show their true color - bad. Other musings: 1. Liars know they lie particularly when you're unsuspecting. You can lose years and years of your career with those that cloak bad values. Check trusted references of the execs you will work with and for. These values will manifest themselves in real consequences, it's just a matter of time. 2. Check the REAL specific behavioral norms / values of the organization. Is there a related specific Code of Honor ("I never abandon a teammate in need")? If not, why not? Can all players including the execs be held accountable to it or do they just want it to apply to you? Know the vast majority of stated values are virtue signaling BS - Marketing. Get your head straight - and do not fall for it. 3. If their core REAL values are incompatible with your own, and you can afford to, Pass. 4. Never fall in love with your organization - it's not a person, but rather a composite of flawed humanity. A beast of sorts. It will generally consume your extra good deeds, good ideas, extra work and strangely enough, you may even be hated for it. 5. Do not rely on others to 'do the right thing'. The players and values within the beast change. Get a lawyer involved particularly with equity and non-competes etc. Do not fear offending by having a lawyer involved. Do it in a direct, aboveboard, and civil manner. It's not what you're worth, it's what you negotiate for AND have in writing. 6. Cultivate options. All negotiations are determined by the parties' BATNA (Best Alternative To a Negotiated Agreement)...i.e. your options - have some. 7. And yes, make the best of your own situation with eyes wide open.