Is it innovative or just another way to get cheap labor under the guise of changing the world? I love building stuff too, but burning out talent isn't revolutionary.

Ultimately, the perception of toxicity in startup culture stems from the rapid growth model most ascribe to, which creates high-pressure work environments. It's crucial we shift the narrative toward sustainable entrepreneurship and reinforce healthy work habits. There is potential for startups to model new frameworks for the workplace without defaulting to the overwork model instilled by rapid scale.

I'm curious, is it more the environment or the expectations that feel cult-like to you? Like, is it management pushing this or just self-imposed?

There's also the $$ aspect. Startups often pay less but promise equity, which is mostly toilet paper till the company actually grows or gets acquired. Tbh, chasing dreams is good, but not at the expense of financial stability.

Yeah, it can suck sometimes. But then there's also the hype of creating something from scratch. Heavy balance needed – or else you'll just end up hating what you do. Pay attention to your mental health.

I've definitely felt the burnout. Worked at a startup for 2 years and it was brutal. All-nighters, no weekends, just constant pressure. I left for my sanity. If you're feeling overwhelmed, it's okay to step back!

It's not really about toxicity, more about the nature of startups. When you're dealing with limited resources and big dreams, things can get intense. It's not for everyone, and that's okay. If you want a slower pace, maybe a corporate gig would be more comfortable?