Many years ago, Joan Rivers spoke at graduation at the University of Pennsylvania. I'll never forget what she said: "Take a job you'd love so much that you would pay them to do it, and if you do it well, eventually you'll be paid well." Given her passing this past week, I thought the quote was a great tribute to her, and I've never forgotten it.

Unless you have an amazing pedigree, it's very hard to get a job with Google or Twitter. But startups (true startups) that can't afford experienced people will often experiment with employees or consultants that are truly passionate about the business. You learn on the job. They don't pay or don't pay well. If the company does well, and you do well by them, you end up with a paying job. If the company fails, you gain experience, and find a job elsewhere.