it never is, nor it should be, a binary choice. you forever have to find a balance between the two. if you would quit your startup forever assuming you had full financial backing to spend with your family and friends, then you really see your startup as a means to an end and not a hobby/lifestyle like many others do
you call it work, many others call it their hobby. they just happen to do it full time and get paid for it.
You are right, each person has their own balance they must find. Otherwise, my comment is no different than dhh's article.
I would argue, though, that I can still see my startups as a hobby/lifestyle even though I would I be more than happy to retire early with fu money. Primarily because I would still want to start build my own products even without the lure of getting rich quickly.
you call it work, many others call it their hobby. they just happen to do it full time and get paid for it.