> The obsession with "rockstars" and "ninjas" who have unwavering "passion" just smells like a search for naïve, exploitable labor willing to give up evenings a

> The obsession with "rockstars" and "ninjas" who have unwavering "passion" just smells like a search for naïve, exploitable labor willing to give up evenings and weekends for foosball games and beer. Yes, that's right. I've worked at these companies. Avoid them. Keep in mind that small businesses that have been around for a decade can be just as bad as some startups. I had a terrible experience at one where I worked 80-100 hour weeks for months before I quit. I've worked at several startups and small companies, and it's a mixed bag, but none of them have been perfect. The main thing to keep in mind is that the personality of the founder is the single most critical factor in your happiness. My best work experiences have been at companies that are out of the startup phase and profitable, with around 50-70 employees. They have the HR and reimbursement processes worked out, they don't flagrantly break employment laws, and the hours are closer to 40-45 a week. Just keep in mind there's an expiration on these jobs; eventually they inevitably become big, bureaucratic companies. When a mid-sized company starts hiring vice presidents the clock starts counting down. Right now I work in a remote office with five other people, and the main company (60 or so employees) is in a different state. It's pretty much the best of both worlds.