Some don't have a choice. Some find meaning elsewhere, for example some see a job as simply a means to provide for their family. If a job is just a job, switching jobs for greener pastures becomes easier. Perhaps putting their family's interests before their own also becomes easier (how many stories of founders having family issues have you heard?). It's a question of priorities.

Being personally invested in a company has risks and advantages. I've seen people tolerate a lot of nastiness from their employer because the victim "believes in the mission".

I for one have to watch my tendency to get attached to "missions," lest I lose too much self-determination capacity.

So I can have money to enjoy my time outside of work.

When you have debt to serve, kids to feed, wouldn't you want to blame someone else when you fxxked up your work? Human, all too human.

> why on earth would you work every day toward something you don't see yourself in, breathe and beleive in?

because the work itself was intrinsicly interesting, regardless of the product

Because I require money to purchase goods and services.