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I think you're missing the point, but maybe I'm missing yours.

Perhaps I could use some mentorship from you. =)

I'm saying that, when working for free becomes the norm to advance, the only people that can do so are those who can afford to work for free. If you're someone who isn't already rich, or someone who doesn't come from a wealthy family, you can't afford to work for free. You still have to pay for rent and food.

Um. Can't the same be said about college?

As someone who comes from a poor family, couldn't afford college, and went the mentor-with-free-work route instead, your comment is particularly and hilariously myopic. :)

No, it can't. For one, college has massive amount of financial aid that can come along with it.

And tell me, how did you eat while going the "mentor-with-free-work" route? How did you put a roof over your head? If the answer to those is "family", then you're not one of the people that my comment was about.

I moved into an overpriced shithole apartment at 19 while working at a NOC in the city. Before moving out, I was doing a 5hr/day commute and paid rent to my parents. Pretty sure I'm one of the people you're talking about.

Are you advocating against mentorship as a principle?

I'm advocating against free work. If you do work, you should be paid for it.

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