Well in some sense perhaps .. you can also say working your ass off is like becoming "caged in work". The question really is what is more important to YOU. If d

Well in some sense perhaps .. you can also say working your ass off is like becoming "caged in work". The question really is what is more important to YOU. If doing excellent technical work or making money is your first priority, then if you are working in a megacorp, then one can say you are caged. On the other hand, spending time with your family or watching movies or travelling are important to you, startup life is a cage for you and you will feel "trapped" by work. The definition of caged seems relative.