re: Lower salary w/stock options versus higher salary no stock options

I'd take the options. That 5k is only $208/check before taxes. After taxes, 401k etc etc etc it's going to be eaten up.

The options are a play on the company and it's ability to sell down the road. If you think that is a definite option you'll be sitting in the catbird's seat with those as the options should become fully vested to you upon a sale.