When I was young and idealistic I worked for free.. Now I am old and wise.. Wish I was young and wise back then.. would have saved me a lot of heartaches...
Unless you are the founder and have a lot of go-to-hell money you don't work for free.The advice my colleagues gave you is true in the monetary sense but think about it...
If someone gives you something for free what value do you consider it to be?
Are you really worth 0?
good luck