So you’re finally ready to take the plunge and join an Internet firm. And while chastened by Nasdaq’s recent plunge, you think you’ve found a company whose fortunes are strong enough and whose options are cheap enough to withstand any future market corrections. But before counting those riches, know that those enticing option rights may be shakier than a market turnaround.
A recent case involving IBM clarified that options are not wages and that companies can structure them so that the company can recoup profits if an employee jumps ship.
