Because, as has been mentioned innumerable times in this thread, going through all that extra effort does not get you more money. It gets you more stress and a target on your back when you make a mistake.

Bingo - sorry, this was a mostly rhetorical question.

When you perform well at work and you do NOT get a share of the profits then all you shall be rewarded with is more work. Why? WTFC???

Because you won't be rewarded with money and influence while still having the same risks of layoffs.

At this point you're better off working on your own thing because the company is usually, always with few exceptions mind you, a dishonest actor that is openly hostile.

The elites can't blame the state of the world on workers when they've created out hellscape of treadmills to delusion and abandonment.

Yep. The only reward in a place that doesn’t care is time.

I am in a proper place now, but I regret not getting a second job in my previous fintech job.

Why do you feel the need to work a second job, why would that be better? Wouldn't you rather be a part of your local community and put effort there rather than a private enterprise?

Two jobs pay two salaries.

There's more to life than working. Why do you feel it's necessary to work two jobs in an industry that typically pays more than the median home income in 99% of cities in the US?

There’s more to work than getting a salary.

Yes but wouldn't you rather get this through your community, family, and friends? You know the things that don't have dominion over your ability to survive?

Not necessarily.

What can I say, I enjoy programming and making stuff with a group.

Yeah, that's also an option.