As with many things in life I would say that it's shades of grey. Perhaps they are handcuffs from day one but they haven't been latched closed yet. The longer y

As with many things in life I would say that it's shades of grey. Perhaps they are handcuffs from day one but they haven't been latched closed yet. The longer you stay the tighter they get. The "tightness" of the handcuffs is, roughly speaking, the % of your motivation to work there based on a previously accrued reward vs reward that is earned day by day. With powerful enough golden handcuffs the company could reduce your salary to zero and you would still stay (though perhaps be pissed about it). (not coming off as combative :) )