Patience maybe isn’t even the right word; perhaps it’s just an unwillingness to invest in something that doesn’t really communicate an obvious return. I'd say

Patience maybe isn’t even the right word; perhaps it’s just an unwillingness to invest in something that doesn’t really communicate an obvious return. I'd say it's more like the relation with a person. If you have no choice (your boss) you do whatever is needed, mostly. If you have choice but still you're very interested (for some reason) you put up with some quirks. Otherwise, you'll rather be with someone kinder.