[throwaway9848]

Yeah, and if you're in a startup and you have a significant equity position then you are not working for free, you are directly monetarily motivated.

Also, people act to maximize their utility, not necessarily compensation. The act of working hard and hitting deadlines is a form of compensation in itself.

Finally, lots of people work a lazy 8 hours (with lots of time spent on the phone, Facebook, personal email) and need the extra hours to accomplish 8 hours worth of real work.

[brianmcconnell]

Ah! The equity position as fake compensation. Unfortunately for the worker beeze, said "equity" usually turns out to be worthless in a exit, except in unicorn situations (Facebook, etc). The founders, early investors and insider shareholders are all first in line, so mostly likely, you end up with shit, or maybe some options that might be worth something in a few years, if the company hasn't tanked by then.

No thanks, unless I can take your company stock and flip it the same day, I'll take cash.

[throwaway9848]

That's not always true.

[Wingman4l7]

Your last example is kind of irrelevant, because if you're honest with yourself, you're not counting the not-work hours.

[throwaway9848]

That's a fair point with your qualifier. I think a lot of people are not honest with themselves about this, though.