This sounds a lot like the Protestant work ethic where toil, no matter how futile, has moral value in and of itself. I envy people who see the world that way to be honest, but breaking your back for an entity who'd lay you off in an instant is alienating and that alienation can be a form of pain.

Personally for me it's almost entirely the 'stick' that keeps me participating at the rate I do rather than the 'carrot', I work primarily because I need to eat and pay my bills as well as the things I actually want to do; this is true of anyone who isn't a rentier. A purpose for sure but hardly an existentially satisfying one. Maybe it's a post-2008 aftermath thing but to me and many others the liberal market economy isn't exactly seen as a wonderous engine of opportunity, rather it's an eternally hungry predator that chases us 24/7 and you must run at least a little faster than the next poor sod to avoid being eaten by it.

If I had rentier money I'd drop traditional 9-5 employment immediately, it wouldn't even be something I had to consider for a few days. I'd dedicate my time to composing music, to writing, to my own projects, I'd certainly volunteer a lot for various causes too.

“Work” is not the same as “job that your ability to live is dependent on.”

I can do a lot of work and contribute to society without having a job. In fact, that’s how I think it should be for everyone.

No jobs. Universal income. People doing things they love.

Hmm, I've also worked with professors (from top Korean universities). them hiring me and me getting a degree from them are different things.

Well, I don't believe that just because you work hard, you'll always succeed. Most people just see me as a subordinate worker. Of course, if you come from a wealthy family, it's probably different.

Of course. Apart from tight deadlines and the damages I'd have to pay if I fail, the work itself is enjoyable

I don't want to have a staring contest with reality.