Even the companies that did not issue lots of stock options to their rank and file have their successful icons. Gates, Allan, Hewlett, Packard, etc. The difference is that they got a disproportional amount of the company and, therefore, wealth.
People began to realize this unfair distribution, and SV companies were forced to work at a fairer distribution. So, if there is a trend, it is to a more 'democratic' distribution (although nowhere near being 'fair'). For example, at Clarify we had a sliding scale based on experience and when you joined the company. There were always deviations for special circumstances, but we tried to keep a fair distribution.
As far as where the innovative minds will go, they'll go into research instead of industry. However, my opinion of research in the area of software engineering is extremely low. It would be a waste for these talented individuals to be wasted in a research role, and a great loss to the software industry as a whole.
You are right that the pace is changing, also. Used to be you'd pitch to the VCs a 5 year company plan, with a 1.5 to 2.5 year product development cycle. Now, they want 3 year plans, and a 1 year (or less) development cycle. Too bad, cause it usually results in shoddy product.
Having missed my share of kids and family events, I'd agree that it is a tough tradeoff. But, people go into it with their eyes open. For me, after 20 years, it luckily worked out, and now I'm able to spend lots of time with the kids. |
