Passion vs. Profit

Recently I've had a few conversations with some kewl people about "Passion vs. profit". If you started a job on your own, or a project, do you do it for passion or for profit?

I'm convinced that passion orientated work is much richer or higher quality than profit related work. Take art as an example. While I'm no art "fundi", I'm sure that most of the best art-works ever produced were done out of passion, not profit. Art sours when its done with profit in mind. The promise or hope of extra pennies-in-the-pocket somehow has a detrimental effect on the quality of your output.

I found that recently with my work in Web Standards. Some of the best work I've produced has been out of the "hobby" fascination with the industry. Not because I got paid to do it.

How about the rest of you?

One particular conversation got me to punch out this blog entry, on the topic of Medical Aid.

Does anyone else feel "robbed" by insurance and medical aid companies? I'm talking to those that are healthy and haven't had an accident recently. I can't help but think that if I put all that cash I'm spending on inusrance and medical aid into a savings account, not only would I see the benefits of saving my own money, but potentially save enough money to help me when / if I'm involved in an accident.

It got me thinking, what service does an insurance company really offer then? I pay them each month for the potential risk I might one day face. For that, they take my money and spend it on those people who have accidents here and now. Why should I pay excess if I'm involved in an accident? Why do I get stoic-toned letters in the mail telling me my monthly charges are going up?

It's all about the mullah. How sad is that? Where are the paladin's of world industry? The ones who help because they can, not because they want your gratitude. The nameless heroes.

Surely, if you put service (or passion) for your work first, profit will come later? Or will the profit-seeking-individuals you serve take you for a ride instead? Material attachment is a curse.