[probably_wrong]

> I don't work for free. My time is more valuable than free.

I think this doesn't probably apply for students and/or recent graduates, as it would be a way of escaping the typical "I can't get a job because I don't have experience, and I can't get experience because I don't have a job" catch-22.

True, my time is always worth a certain amount (probably higher than I assume), but if I get a tangible benefit out of it, I could assume that I just switched from "I pay you and you give me knowledge and a degree" to "I pay you and you give me experience and a recomendation".

[showsover]

No, working for free is not a good idea. Perhaps for non-profits, but even then you are better off to either charge a friends' price, or just donate money.

How would someone that just graduated pay rent and food when they don't have a job that, you know, pays them?

[acchow]

Wealthy parents. An ethical issue with working for free is it gives an advantage to kids with wealthy parents, lowering mobility.