Because I was working with friends, on a project that was interesting, mentally valuable, and in the national interest.

Just because the org that hires you is a shambles doesn’t mean you give up and quit. Thank fuck we don’t all think like that.

And, again, reputation. I have a stellar reputation because I stick it out, and I care. I’ve worked with people who quit because ‘it’s shit here’. Nobody will ever work with them again.