You've got only 1 life, and even among a pool of the most bright, hardworking people (take a sample that works as many hours as you like), there's only so many Bill Gateses. I'm thinking just one.

Even after all his success, I wouldn't be surprised if a guy like that now regrets some of how he spent his youth. I'm sure he could have done it just as well and been a little less crazy, had some more time outside the office. I'd be surprised if a rational person wouldn't admit that.

Passion and determination are fine, but your idea (or my reading of it, anyway) that places outside the Bay Area are less worthy because they've got fewer kids willing to waste their life away ... it seems pretty low.

Couldn't agree more with what you said.

I just find it amazing that Steve Jobs, who could have retired multiple times over, was still spending 10-12 hour days at the office, on a consistent basis. This was at the expense of spending time with his family.

I understand passion but balance is important in life.

If its something you have a personal stake in , then yes . But not at some faceless mega corp which dosent care for you.

Article is about employees, you're talking founder. Very different.

Agree on your first point, but how do you come to the conclusion that such commitment is limited to the Valley?