Isn't there some healthy middle ground? I find some domains more interesting than others, I prefer some technical aspects over others. Some projects make more sense to me, or at least make me feel better.
Not enough to start my own company, but enough that the options leaning towards those will have the nod. You can be engaged without dedicating your life to it.
I think it is more question that if a startup ask for passion and believe in their marketing. And one really had that, would it not be better to drive it yourself?
For those with not that strong convictions. Picking up reasonably interesting roles and fields where they have some skill coverage is entirely reasonable way to do things. Go for roles and companies you can be content with.
not everyone who believes in a business has the resources or the will, or even the skill to do that. also, if i believe in a business, that doesn't mean it makes sense to compete with them.
to give an example, i really love what valve is doing for gaming on linux. i would love to work for them. are you suggesting that i should start my own gaming company?
if i really like a company, i want to see that company succeed, not start another.
also, for myself, i really don't want to work for a company whose business i don't believe in. i would, if it was the only option, but if i have a choice then i prefer to work for a company whose business goals and practices i can agree with.
with startups in particular, there is also the issue that, if i don't believe in their business, that means i won't believe that they will be successful and then it doesn't make sense to work there.
Not enough to start my own company, but enough that the options leaning towards those will have the nod. You can be engaged without dedicating your life to it.