On: An Engineer’s Guide to Stock Options (2013)

[dilyevsky]

That’s only if you exercise before stock is liquid (pre-ipo). Nowadays it’s more common to have long exercise windows that avoid this problem

[taway1871 → dilyevsky]

Unless you have to leave because

1. You cant afford to be on a "startup salary" anymore

2. Any number of reasons

3. You are being bullied

4. You are being sexually harrassed

Regardless why, if you leave, you are forced to exercise in 3mo. Then, if you take the deal, you usually end up with negative value.

[dilyevsky → taway1871]

Should probably read the post in full before replying

[edoceo → dilyevsky]

That window would need to be many years. I've never seen longer than 18 months - and that option is only for "blessed" employees

[dilyevsky → edoceo]

It’s becoming more common to grant 7-10 year window after certain tenure (like two years) at least among yc companies. I’ve also seen window extended per year of tenure