> I also can't reason about why people think this is about money rather than building cool shit.

I'm working to make money to pay my mortgage, put food on the table, save for retirement, and build a better life for my small family. That is the motivation that keeps me showing up.

If I want to build cool shit then I'll do it on my own time. Unfortunately, not everyone can build a startup.

The fact that you think a union only exists to "drag (you) down" speaks a lot about you.