This is true of all government jobs. I used to be an Army officer. Our pay is set by Congress and in the federal budget. And yeah, that means low performers sit

This is true of all government jobs. I used to be an Army officer. Our pay is set by Congress and in the federal budget. And yeah, that means low performers sitting away in bullshit staff jobs doing nothing earn exactly what the highest performers commanding elite units in difficult theaters of combat earn. So why does anybody bother to be a high performer? I don't know. Why do Olympic athletes in obscure sports with no pro leagues and no endorsement prospects still practice long hours and try hard? Why does anyone become an astronaut when they could earn more flying commercial jumbo jets? Some people just care about excelling at what they do, more than they care about money. Often you'll find these people in high-impact public sector work.