Yes! And one way (not the only way) to increase your chances of survival is by working harder than normal to get to a product/revenue point where you can make it. Again, all I'm asking is if the startup is very clear about expectations going into the role is that ok? We have very low unemployment right now so it's not like skilled technology workers don't have a lot of choices. Is there any way to ethically create a startup in today's age and expect people will work more than government mandated hours?

Seems like access to capital is the primary reason for failure, so you working harder might make no difference.

>Again, all I'm asking is if the startup is very clear about expectations going into the role is that ok? //

Absolutely! The truth will set you free.