1/ get better at developing stuff 2/ interview a lot, move jobs when you see something better 3/ assume the expected return on stock options is zero Stock in

1/ get better at developing stuff 2/ interview a lot, move jobs when you see something better 3/ assume the expected return on stock options is zero Stock in public companies (might be called RSUs) is pretty close to income. Even gets taxed like income. Stock in private companies is not like that. You can't sell it without the company agreeing, at which point the company sets the price as they see fit.