You hit the nail on the head. If I could quietly do research the rest of my life I would probably do that, but only if I’m paid what I earn now year after year, I’m not going to be satisfied with some pitiful grad student level stipend.

The alternative is what I do now, building software that probably contributes to the degradation of society in exchange for generous money. I’m ok with that because I am insulated from most of the effects of my work.