Correct me if I’m wrong, but I believe evidence points towards the pyramids being built by paid workers, and I think some even got to be buried in their own smaller pyramids

Correct, conditions of the workers of the Pyramids and Temples 8 h per day, 6 days a week Free housing, food and a small garden for themselves and their relatives Medical assistance and care in sick leave due to illness and accident. Exempt from paying taxes Care and assistance in old age. (better than today in most countries) Slaves were naturally also used, but only for basic jobs and assistance. Pharao knew very well that if he wants a job well done, he cannot get it with slaves and in poor conditions, but with well-cared and happy professionals.

God damn, they got better benefits than I do five thousand years later.