IMHO, if you are an employee who just joined because you want to become rich, than you are wrong here. If I work for a startup, I’ll do because I enjoy the job I applied for. Equity is a bonus, the fortune you get an obligation to the society. It’s different from the matter if you join because you need a work authorization (btw: anybody looking for a PM?) or probably health-care. But a healthy, supportive and creative environment is far more important to do a good job than getting rich with equity.