These stories really kill the golden goose because it means a lot of talent just won't work at a startup.
YC isn't particularly great here either, they are pro founder but not pro startup employee. Most YC companies offer pretty paltry equity to even the first few hires - and that is even assuming you aren't going to get screwed down the line.
The risk-reward equation for startups vs boring-big-tech has turned completely upside-down. Back in the day, startups were the only lottery ticket to riches, not to mention do interesting work. But now, the tables are turned. For experienced engineers big-tech comps are attractive enough to put up with the office politics, and if you lucky do some interesting work.
The people who go to work for start-ups are usually young. There comes a certain time in life when you have a family that relies on you and you get old enough that you start to make plans for retirement.
That's when you get a real job at a very boring stable company and stop being delusional.
Well, that depends. I'm working in a startup and I'm in my 40's. Although it's a bit different than a typical startup, because it pays quite well compared to 95% of other offers in EU to live a very comfortable life in a not too expensive European city.
Yeah, the hours can be crazy but not too often. Yes, you're expected to give your best all the time but that's part of the fun. And the best part is the challenges are always interesting.
Maybe it makes it easier for me that I'm not at all interested in normal family life and never want to have kids.
YC isn't particularly great here either, they are pro founder but not pro startup employee. Most YC companies offer pretty paltry equity to even the first few hires - and that is even assuming you aren't going to get screwed down the line.