Counterpoint: I keep applying for a Linux sysadmin job at SpaceX that would have me taking a ~$80K/year paycut, so I can work at SpaceX.
Substantial payoff? Mine is getting to work in launch operations, no matter what the position is.
Substantial payoff? Mine is getting to work in launch operations, no matter what the position is.
I've worked at far more grueling places (Citadel).
You're considering money the only value of my time. Happiness > $$$ after a certain point.
I can make $100K-200K/year running infrastructure to serve ads better, or do something that actually matters (going to Mars). How I spend my experience is up to me.