I disagree and argue with @Ace_Dragon much more often than not, and I often question his facts (I’d like to see actual data on FOSS project “purism” and success). But I can usually manage to do it without insults (at least I hope so). You should try that next time, because it’s part of the guidelines for this site, which you might not have read (it’s usually a good idea to be respectful in any community; it doesn’t improve the quality of discussion if one throws around insults when entering a thread).
This is mostly true. People have to make a living, and for many “wage slavery” is the only option, especially when they’re young and have little experience as yet. What do you suggest they do instead? I mean, realistically. I’m not at all surprised that people try to make a living with something they love; that looks at first glance like a much better thing than to spend 8+ hours a day at something one only tolerates or outright hates. Because the latter will definitely not enrich your life.
Minus the harsh insult, I agree that it’s very risky to do that. It’s all too easy to become burned out on the thing you love if you’re obligated to do it at somebody else’s behest day in day out for years. But there are some ways to do it sensibly. It also helps if one loves more than one thing, and keeps some of it just for fun.
I’ve mostly been inventive with my jobs, but I did the “wage slavery” thing when I was young, and learned what parts of it I can stand and what parts might make me homicidal and lose me all joy. I’ve freelanced since then for most of my life, and have done mostly things I really liked doing. Best thing I ever did was give up on the idea of a “career”. It takes fortitude, self-knowledge, and willingness to swim against the stream, because it’s quite difficult to opt out of the system even partially. It’s been a good life, but the final jury is still out; I might not have cared quite enough about money, and if conservatives in this country win too much influence public health care might go down the drain when I most need it.