Many people (particularly in the lower income brackets) prefer to be paid in cash as opposed to equity[1]. Given the chance, most people prefer not to shoulder the risk of an equity stake at the expense of a reduced or non-existent salary.

Is it any surprise then that a lucky few who forgo cash in favor of worthless pieces of paper become super rich after the stock rises?

1. https://www.geekwire.com/2018/amazon-criticized-ending-wareh...