Startups have been on average a shit deal for a long time. I liken it to writing a book - best not to do it unless there is a book inside of you and you'll die

Startups have been on average a shit deal for a long time. I liken it to writing a book - best not to do it unless there is a book inside of you and you'll die if you don't get it out. I worked in Big Tech before doing consulting at some startups and it appeared to me that startups were often these cultish tribes where the willingness to accept a small percentage of equity was a strong signal that the employee really did believe the future of the company. They don't really want people around with realistic expectations as it'll hurt moral and the illusion that they have to keep going as they raise for subsequent rounds.