There is no question, money motivates people.  But the value of money diminishes over time.  To keep a person motivated, there needs to be more, a lot more than money.  Startups hang options out as a motivational factor.  But that’s even less valuable than money.  Options are worthless until the option holder can realize a tangible gain from that option.  Think about this as you are either looking at a place to work or looking for someone to work for you.  What else do you bring to the table?

Here is a great Ted Talk by Dan Ariely that was given in 2012 in Argentina on why people work.  Watch it!