[fsloth]

I would like to correct the above into "In some companies, startup or not, there's expectation that..." I worked for four years in a startup environment and normal workweek was always sufficient. Of course, I made sure this was the situation before I signed up. Making sure the company culture fits your philosophy of life before signing up is always good (if the economic situation is such that there are plausible alternatives). Becoming hired is not a cost free transaction but incurs severe opportunity costs for the near future. Not getting hired can incur acute fiscal costs on the other. But I would claim the nature of ones employment is not about subjugating ones autonomy unless the employee lets it. Of course, debt and mortgage balances the odds in the favor of the employer more often than not.

Please, telling bright young people that working ones ass of for the benefit of the employer is the only path to a good life is a severe deficit of clear thinking. Some people enjoy doing lots of work for the work's sake and it's a totally fine way to live ones life - but it's not the only good and admirable way available. I'm not saying any other way is better, just that there are usually options available to clever people how to organize ones life.