I worked at MSFT and GOOG, and also joined two startups when they were ~15 people. Google and Microsoft pay well and have great perks. Startups can't really compete with that. However, at a startup 1) people tend to learn a lot more and learn it faster, 2) people are closer on a personal level, 3) people usually have a lot more impact, 4) there's much less bureaucracy, etc.
At this point, if I really needed money, I'd try to go back to Google, but if $120k was sufficient -- and it's more than sufficient for most people -- I'd prefer to work at a startup. Even if the equity is worth nothing, it can be a wonderful experience.
At this point, if I really needed money, I'd try to go back to Google, but if $120k was sufficient -- and it's more than sufficient for most people -- I'd prefer to work at a startup. Even if the equity is worth nothing, it can be a wonderful experience.