Comment by whiskyant

Maybe startups would be more desirable alternatives if they gave RSUs instead of stock options, or at the very least have an exercise period of 7+ years instead of 3 months, or not be forced to pay the cash equivalent of taxes just for exercising...

As it stands now, startups are just places that offer half the salary compared to public companies. Working for half what you could be making is a large ask of almost anyone.