You do have a point that they're getting real work experience. But that's where the similarities end. I've never heard stories about health problems, stress,

You do have a point that they're getting real work experience. But that's where the similarities end. I've never heard stories about health problems, stress, and burnout from side projects. I'm sure it probably happens to some people, but it's almost certainly nowhere near the same rate that it sounds like it happens in the game industry.