I suppose it all comes down to perspective. I take pride in the work I do, I always have. I get satisfaction for a job well done. I enjoy making people happy with the results I produce, or looking at something I've created and knowing that I put my best effort into it. I've had this attitude for as long as I can remember, but it is always a conscious choice. There are intangible benefits to hard work that are gratifying, and of course if you keep at it for long enough, tangible benefits usually follow.

If you're only concerned that you're making your boss more money than you're making for yourself then you're going to have a miserable life. Someone will always be above us, regardless of how high we climb.