> Startups thrive on young grads looking to preserve the sense of purpose, freedom, and esprit-de-corps of college life. After all, if the last year has shown anything, it's that most people don't make decisions like strictly rational, self-interested economists.

It's only economically irrational if you put a value on "purpose, freedom and esprit-de-corps" that's less than the difference between your salary at a bigco and your salary at a startup.