What happens to those that run into the 10 year limit for exercising their options? If there is no hope for liquidation event and you've been their for 9 years and haven't exercised your options it seems like you might as well leave, especially if there will be a huge tax burden to exercise them.
A good place to start is asking your supervisor or HR person what can be done. For example you might be able to take out a loan or the company might be able to repurchase the stock.
