I really like the MMA analogy, because it makes it so easy to illustrate why this environment is a problem. Ronda Rousey earned my respect not for her fighting, but for her very explicit awareness that MMA will damage her, and there is a limited amount of fighting she can do before quitting. So she picks fights to maximize her income as she destroys herself. Fighters know they are trading long-term health for money. It is part of the game.
Working in tech in SF, and the other scenarios mentioend, are the same thing - you are putting yourself into an unhealthy environment, in exchange for specific benefits, usually cash, but sometimes for more non-tangible benefits to your life, or simply because you believe in it.
If that is the choice people make, that is fine. People should have the freedom to make those kinds of choices as they direct their lives. But what worries me is that some young people are jumping into these situations without realizing it.
As with everything in life, a conscious choice to follow a path is a good thing, and will be respected. But falling into something without realizing the downsides can be dangerous.
Working in tech in SF, and the other scenarios mentioend, are the same thing - you are putting yourself into an unhealthy environment, in exchange for specific benefits, usually cash, but sometimes for more non-tangible benefits to your life, or simply because you believe in it.
If that is the choice people make, that is fine. People should have the freedom to make those kinds of choices as they direct their lives. But what worries me is that some young people are jumping into these situations without realizing it.
As with everything in life, a conscious choice to follow a path is a good thing, and will be respected. But falling into something without realizing the downsides can be dangerous.