I've made more on paper in growth of equity in my home than any of the startups I've worked at. Granted my first job was at a big tech with options right out of college, which allowed me the down payment on home, but ever since....I've been picking the paper losers to work at (or start). I'd have been way better off (financially) had I just stayed at my big tech company since college, worked my way up to Senior Management, kept getting stock grants, bonuses, etc. And now, I'd be getting dividends on all that stock, too.

However, I've had lot of fun and mostly enjoyed my career being kept on my toes.

Money is an important factor. I think in the startup ecosystem money comes second. Validating idea, iteration over it and making it market fit is a long process. Making money comes after that.