startups - working for equity

Sup prague, I got contacted by a startup who can only pay me in equity, and I told them that yes I'd be interested, but only for a one month project, and then we'll see what happens. I've worked for a startup before, and really didn't enjoy the experience - long hours and shit pay - but I'm unemployed and still pretty new to programming professionally, so I figure why not try it again. I guess I'm looking for any advice / stories about working for startups. You got anything, /prog/?

A one month probationary work period sounds good but how do you pay your bills when you're not being paid a wage?