Joining a startup is statistically improbable to make you rich, so don't expect to be set for life just by joining one.

Every startup company is unlikely to work, and it's helpful to be in reality about that, but that doesn't mean you can't be optimistic.

Most startups fail, and only a small percentage achieve significant financial success, so view equity as a tool to enhance your chances of success rather than a fixed resource to be divided.

The chances of a startup becoming a $10 billion business are very slim, especially if you start with the goal of rapid growth.

Most things are not nearly as risky as they seem; if you're a college student with no money or reputation, failing at a startup is not as detrimental as it feels.

If you're not irrationally motivated to pursue a startup, the experience can be frustrating and you may not grasp the risk-reward balance.

Starting a startup is really hard, and you can't predict how tough and ambitious you will become through the process.

In the startup world, you're betting that 90% of companies will go to zero or just return your money, while the remaining 10% will yield huge multiples and markups.

You will get access to jobs that you're completely unqualified for when you join a startup, which can lead to rapid personal growth.