I don't think you can even use the word 'employee' if you're not being compensated for your work. I'm sad that someone presumably talented would even entertain

I don't think you can even use the word 'employee' if you're not being compensated for your work. I'm sad that someone presumably talented would even entertain the thought that working for nothing is in any way reasonable. (i.e, Sad at the reality that skilled people are gullible and undervalue their worth)