For perhaps 10% of the population, maybe less, what OPs parents said is true. The other 90% or more of the people claiming they're bored would never do 40 hrs/

For perhaps 10% of the population, maybe less, what OPs parents said is true. The other 90% or more of the people claiming they're bored would never do 40 hrs/wk of volunteer work... its just a socially acceptable way to say they can't afford it. A good gauge would be to ask them if they'd do it part time or volunteer. Some other reasons that aren't socially acceptable to talk about but are true, revolve around workers in highly capitalist sectors / hobbies can't have fun toys at home. My Aunt the chemical engineer can have a lot more fun at work than at home. Large machine tool operators who actually love the craft not the paycheck can't have a lathe bigger than their garage at home in their garage. Cluster operators. Large network operators. Some of the more exotic/modern corners of EE work. What people say socially often has nothing to do with reality.