[adamcanady]

> you believe you'll be able to create more value for yourself by doing something else rather than seeing it through with a startup.

Just pointing out that there are other reasons to leave aside from rational economic thought about this individual's expected ability to produce higher output elsewhere. They may dislike the team, pivoted idea, or leadership decisions. But they may also want to keep hold of the equity in case it gets big (or they can sell it or a liquidity event occurs).

[jonstewart]

Indeed, those are all other non-monetary ways to create more value for oneself. :-)

I understand the desire to want to keep hold of the equity in case the startup gets big, but having dead weight shareholders is a really good way of ensuring a company doesn't get big. It is hard to judge—maybe the company is really on its way to growth and success and the OP has earned the equity—but more likely it's the psychology of not wanting to let something get away "just in case", and that's not what startup sweat equity is about. There probably needs to be some consideration, but if one doesn't believe in the future direction of the startup, hey, you are getting a whole lot of time and hassle back in exchange for surrendered shares.