I like to participate, just a feature of my personality. At my work I don't have to do anything, I can just easily collect the paycheck and not do anything. Be the stereotypical government employee 😀

Instead I push us to be constantly on the Cutting Edge technologically, security and quality wise. I talk to Microsoft guys all the time and we are actually ahead of many groups at Microsoft...

I push not because I can get anything out of it, but because it's fun for me to play with emerging technologies, it's like a game. I am at the very top of my career path. I don't want to be a manager so they can't promote me and they can't give me a raise because I am already at a max step. We don't have bonuses, the only thing I can get is a 5% annual merit bonus that is given every year for above outstanding performance. I have that to loose if I slack I guess, but it is hardly a motivational factor 😆