Right. That's why I have side projects, to satisfy 1,2,3. My bank doesn't accept "sense of purpose" as payment. My real job is for my mortgage and retirement.

Right. That's why I have side projects, to satisfy 1,2,3. My bank doesn't accept "sense of purpose" as payment. My real job is for my mortgage and retirement. An extra $10k+ per year counts a lot when compounded. $10k a year for 30 years, 7% average long term stock market return gets you $1 million. That could a better life style, retire many years earlier...all without the risk of a Scrappy startup hoping for a unicorn buyout. Play with the numbers...but that's what you are giving up because you want to wear a graphic t-shirt to work.