Of course it can be, especially if one can work remotely or can do other things they are interested in. I mean, for sure it sounds bad (parasite!), but it does not feel right at all to me this (very US- or US-driven) attitude that one's contribution to the world is through work or family.

Let's say I am the daughter of rich parents and I inherit a fortune. It happens, am I right? For some (intuitively "right") reason, it is not considered as bad as getting "free" money from a corporation, which has intrinsically zero control over spending at the individual level. Paraphrasing some Blade Runner here, "I have seen people paid...". And while the fortune is inherited just for sheer luck (I don't think anyone has chosen their parents), most of the time those cushy positions are coming after years or decades of hard study and hard work. How many of those inheriting good money said, "I don't want it, I have no worked for it". Some, for sure. But the vast majority pocket the money, maybe do some charity or some work, and carry on.

Sure, one feeling the need to work effectively can change jobs, we all can do it. But there are many other opportunities to have a good time and good impact on the world outside of a corporate job. If the money is coming in and who's distributing the money is ok, who am I to say no to good fortune?

I think coasting ain't as bad as many people think. That's because a) you are doing your job good enough, so you are not a burden on your team and b) you have a better chance to stay healthy than if you're overworking. Also, you're probably a better team player because of your healthy/peaceful state of mind. I think if you can find the line between overwork (burnout) and boredom (boreout) then you're good (even if it means only working 20h instead of 40) and your employer can be satisfied for a long time. But really, we must not discount healthiness. Health is the most important part of being a successful cog in the machine.

I would rather be kind of poor but having a good time (like other people paying for having a good time) than have a very good salary and have miserable days. Maybe accept some temporary misery if this means some personal development that I like.

But I can fully understand a decision not to change to a much less paying alternative as it decreases the quality of life for an other part of every day. Considering the frightening fact that when you move away there is probably a chance that you cannot come back that easily. This may present a fear of trying out the alternatives.

Of course not. I bought a heating pad and now the chair keeps me warm.

No, but keeping your family housed and fed usually is.

If you've got kids to look after, and a mortgage to pay, it's very likely you're stuck doing whatever your doing, whether you think the work is worthwhile or not.

Most parents won't put their kids in the poorhouse because they hate their job.