I think I understand. Someone who doesn't have anything better to do might as well contribute their idle time to working, as long as it's voluntary and without

I think I understand. Someone who doesn't have anything better to do might as well contribute their idle time to working, as long as it's voluntary and without expectation. I might agree were the worker a shareholder or founder or otherwise long hours were the explicitly stated, well-compensated expectation when hired. For the average full time employee, absolutely not, particularly not even for junior/entry-level. Spending unpaid evenings and weekends at work prevents someone like yourself from acquiring and maintaining a social life, emotional resilience, physical health, community support, romance, poetry, moments that make life worth living. I'll be damned before I participate in the crushing of souls like that, my own included. That said, there are roles for people who cannot live another life. If that's you, do not waste your ambition as a full time employee. Be a founder, or work in finance. Or at least a freelancer with unlimited hours. Be compensated for your time. Otherwise, pick up a hobby. Hit on that cute barista. Learn to play ukulele. Join a tabletop RPG club.