I agree . Options are largely A LIE and fake compensation FOR MOST. It really works in rare instances but they overwhelmingly DON’T WORK. Just pay people more...they will appreciate it and it won’t be effected by random tax policies like this. https://twitter.com/jasonfried/status/1233126875825868802

I bought a company last year. Raised almost $100M of VC money. I wiped out all options, doubled salaries instead. I asked what 100% of “salary survey” said and paid that. Also instituted big bonus program tied to financial results.

Employees can take cash bonus each year and buy equity if they want. But it’s optional. Regardless they make much more guaranteed comp. So far everyone is much happier - especially since cost of living in the Bay Area is absurd.

Obviously there will be a Facebook or Google from time to time but these are so rare. Instead, it’s much more useful to get paid more current compensation and live better, more humanely in the near term and buy equity if you want for the long term.