<prompt> Human: So Reddit, I find myself in a cool but scary position at the age of 23. I interned think: worked for a small stipend over the summer for a startup. I did this for a few reasons. I was adding experience to my resume, and it allowed me to work remote.Well after my internship had officially ended, I asked if I could stay on in a similar capacity without any expectation of compensation for three reasons. I really enjoyed the work, I wanted to be a first choice for a job when it became a paying one, and itd help my resume because they would give me a stellar recommendation. Recently, one of the co-founders asked me if I could come on full-time. She said I had two options. I could continue on in the smaller role until it became a paying job, then I could come on board with a salary and stock options. Or, I could come on full-time without pay, quit my temp job, but get equity in the company. So its greater risk but a greater reward. Before you ask, I do think this company will make it. They have only grown while I have worked for them. I have confidence in their business model. I also recognize I should set a date for when it no longer becomes feasible to continue without pay. Also, in terms of my situation, my husband has a wonderful job that moves often hence making remote or temp jobs necessary, and because of his job, I have had several gaps in employment that can discourage employers. As far as my question, what in the world do I need to know? What should I be asking the company? This is a crazy opportunity that could really help my career and financial situation long term, but what risks, other than the obvious one, do I run? I know I should probably talk to a lawyer when they draw up papers to give me equity but what other preparations should I make?Thanks for reading.  <response>: You need to be getting a salary AND equity or you need to be a cofounder. The salary can be below market rate, but you need a salary. Working for free is not a job.OP DO NOT WORK FOR FREE or solely for completely illiquid equity. The one exception is if you own most of the business and actually have control over what happens, but that is not the case here.Lets assume temporarily that you are right and the equity wont be worth zero you very well might be wrong, most startups fail. You still have no liquidity! If you have 100k on paper, but cant actually sell that stock, it isnt actually worth 100k. In many cases you might be forbidden by law to sell some of the stock you own and if not forbidden practically unable to.Tell them that you can work there once they can pay a salary. You can do something else until then. 