Most startups don't get anywhere near employee #100. If you're in a startup that does, you'll likely be happy to be either #1 or #100.
Being #1 means you work as hard as the owners but for much less -- often you will end up making less than you'd make elsewhere.
Being an early hire seems to be about trading salary & security for experience running a business. Friends who have joined a startup early have said it's the absolute best way to learn what to do -- and many times, what not to do -- when you're starting your own company.
Of course, YMMV. I've heard from plenty of early hires that don't end up near the business side, and don't get much out of it.
Being #1 means you work as hard as the owners but for much less -- often you will end up making less than you'd make elsewhere.
Being an early hire seems to be about trading salary & security for experience running a business. Friends who have joined a startup early have said it's the absolute best way to learn what to do -- and many times, what not to do -- when you're starting your own company.
Of course, YMMV. I've heard from plenty of early hires that don't end up near the business side, and don't get much out of it.