Hacker News Reader

Comment by weinzierl | Hacker News Reader

This and take away his nannies, chauffeurs and other servants. Let his wife work a regular job too.

If you are not privileged, running a family is another 40 hour a week job.

To that let's add the stress of financial ruin or major setback in case he loses his job due to a competitive ratings-based "objective" perf review.

feed the cat do the laundry clean the toilet sweep the floor buy the groceries pay the bills call the cable company change the oil in the car water the plants take out the trash scoop the litterbox file your taxes cook dinner do the dishes make a dentist appointment mow the lawn go to the post office buy your brother a birthday gift change the sheets fix the lightswitch unclog the shower get the brakes fixed on the car get the car washed clean out the gutters…

Chores are holidays when you got work and kids...

I mean, I take your point and even agree with you. But, to be fair, I'm sure Sergei worked 60+ hours/week when Google was starting.

It's almost like how many hours a week a person can work on a thing depends on their ownership of the thing, their domestic situation, and their financial state.

Just to add: ownership and agency, I know a few startup founders who completely wrecked their mental health after accepting dumb money which took away their agency to pursue their vision while still having to work absurd hours.

Ah, but you see, Sergey cares about his company, not their company. Or their lives. Or their needs. Or their wants.

He is Empire and he is what Matters.

There is a difference between choosing to work 60 hours at your own startup with the prospect of a very large payout and being salaried at a giant company.

I did the same for the projects I created or were fun for me. However, there is a limit and at some point you just hurt your body, some of it can be irreparable. You may not notice it when being younger but you will need to pay for that later.

Reply on news.ycombinator.com