Interesting topic. In a career spanning 30 years and 4 world class companies, I've seen people work HARD. I've also seen people make their bosses look good, and still get shafted in the end. Ultimately, I've learned to work for ME. Sometimes that means working hard, other times it means working smart, and sometimes it means telling others to go fcuk themselves. No more mortgage, retirement looms, and the truly global mongering phase will soon begin! I think I chose the right boss to work for...ME!
I have gotten to know a few mongers in this hobby, and many more providers. It does not puzzle me at all why we do this. It totally blows my mind that some of these women do this. They work hard, they are smart, they have families, and they look out for each other. Obviously, it's the money. But you could not pay me any amount to touch some of the guys I've seen walking in and out of these places. I'd rather work in a coal mine, or on a garbage truck.
There are vast amounts of cash to be made in this line of work. But if anyone in that room is working hard, it is the provider!