[kradroy]

> (e) I signal employees that I'm all for "sacrifice" and thus not professional, and not a good place to work (e.g. if I had any loose excuse to sacrifice them and their compensation, I'd do it in an instant).

That one rings truest to me and was part of one work experience I had in the past. The owners "buy" a lottery ticket using everyone else's wages and time, but it's "cool" because you're "living the dream."

Furthermore, living at poverty level for 1-2 years, especially in New York, eventually gets depressing because you'll have to deny yourself a lot of experiences.

Be like the Buddha in your pursuits. Reject asceticism and extreme indulgence and find the middle path. You and your possible future employees will thank you.