[blacksoil]

I think personally it's important for people to realize that people are creature of habit. A person who has the disicipline of going extra miles and strive for excellency in their work, regardless of compensation, is likely to carry his habit across different jobs or even when he decides to do his own startup or anything non-work related. I think this is such a good habit to have will prove beneficial sooner or later. A lot of people think they will just work hard and do their best whem they need to, and take it easy for now at a corporate job. Personally I don't think work-ethics can be switched that easily, it has to be built.

[MattPalmer1086]

I remember a story I was told at school that made an impression on me.

A stone carver was making gargoyles for a cathedral. His apprentice noticed him carefully carving the back of them. The apprentice asked why he was doing that, since no-one would ever see the back or know. "I will know", replied the carver.

Now, that is not an argument for doing unnecessary work. I saw it as an argument for taking pride in the work you did, even if you would be the only person who knows.