that's a very helpful link and also a very concise reply, thank you, btw I know some of my seniors who went into startups that were blowing up and got paid with equity, and are kinda very well off rn. Is this path worth looking into? Or is big tech a safer bet. TLDR: is the risk worth it? and is it too risky?

When it's worth it, it's very very worth it. Whether it's the right thing for you depends on your risk appetite and financial situation.

Some people say: go to big tech first, make $, get the brand, then take the startup risk

Reality is: longer you wait to take risks, harder it becomes. Recommend doing it sometime in your 20s if the adventure appeals to you, knowing that the big equity payout may not happen. You can improve your odds though by getting good at picking

big tech will always be a safer bet all risks considered

The question you need to answer is, for YOU right now:

1. Are the things you want to learn best served by a big tech co?

2. Or an unproven startup?

Lol the second question is pretty loaded. The point is to find a startup that has proven potential, not a total dud

> The point is to find a startup that has proven potential, not a total dud

If you can do this, you can quit your job and start a extremely well paying job consulting for VCs