I would say the first time I went through this it was very nerve-racking. However, the CEO of the first company (which I spoke about in another comment, the real estate software company) really changed my attitude on working and being an employee forever. I remember sitting with him at an Applebee's late at night. We were talking about the downturn of the market and the financial problems the company had during the time and how scary it was for me as "just an employee". He said to me, "You're not 'just an employee', you're an investor in my business. You invest your time, talents, and efforts to make me succeed. I pay you dividends more regularly but honestly you should never act as just an employee. If you do amazing work you'll be rewarded just like an investor, if you act like an investor."

I know what a lot of people will say to that. "No way, you're just an employee, you won't be treated like an investor." Well, true, if you have that attitude you won't be treated like an investor. You'll be treated like an employee. However, if you start acting like an investor, you'll be treated as one. Ask intelligent questions about the business and its financials. Talk to the board. Give intelligent and thoughtful advise to help the company. Be an asset far above the code you write.

If you do that, and then all of the sudden everything starts to nosedive, you will be in a position to help fix the problem and reap the rewards. You are an investor, not an employee.