[BeetleB]

> Is this what you imagined you would do as a kid interested in math/computers/science?

I work a job that I imagined I'd like as a kid.

Work is interesting, but it's a crappy job.

Of the jobs I've had, all the ones that aligned with my passion sucked. It's no longer a criterion when I look for jobs.

If you can find a job that aligns with your passion, and it's not a crappy job, by all means go for it! For many, they tire of hopping from job to job in search of satisfaction. Optimizing for money (or time) tends to be the next logical step.