Yeah, I found The Social Network very inspiring as well, on multiple levels. I'd like the opportunity to work with a team like that, where everybody is really on the same page, motivated, and sharing a vision. Most of the corporate-drone jobs I've had have been anything but that. More like "the land of lost souls" where everybody is shuffling around trying to do as little as possible while not getting fired, and avoiding their micromanaging PHB.

I can't say that money and status and all that stuff isn't a strong motivation as well though. The idea of founding a company, and having it break big, then cashing out (either through an acquisition, IPO, whatever) is awfully alluring.

For me, it's a combination of A. wanting more freedom (and by implication, responsibility), B. wanting to work with an awesome team on something cool, and C. wanting a crack at one day making "FU money."

Unfortunately I haven't gotten very far yet with finding other like minded people to get involved with my current project; but I remain hopeful.