I think the difference is what you're building the startup for. Many startups aren't built to last. They're built to get to a certain size and then sell off th

I think the difference is what you're building the startup for. Many startups aren't built to last. They're built to get to a certain size and then sell off their product and make a decent profit from it all. In this case, burnout isn't a worry because, if you get to the point where you're burnt out, your startup failed anyways (in that it didn't achieve the goal of attracting the attention of a larger startup-eating company). It's in these environments that the 24/7 grind is most apparent. Or companies that started with this model and then realized they couldn't sell and now have to try to turn their quick-buck idea into something that lasts. Some startups, though, are built to last. These are places where burnout is a concern because they plan to be around for 10 - 15 years and they don't want to have to replace their entire staff every two years. In these companies, getting a good work:life balance is important for attracting and retaining talent. People tend to think that if you're passionate about what you do (or love what you do), then you want to spend every waking hour doing it. But this kind of behavior is self-destructive. Even if you think you want to do it now, it will eventually wear you down and be unsustainable. Everyone needs to take breaks and have other interests and activities. And sometimes you have to force yourself or your employees to strike that balance.