Work for some one? Why do we do this again?

I was brought into a meeting about me today. I had been late here and there and I knew it would catch up with me.... I take all the blame, whatever. My usual day goes 7:05-7:10 to 4:40-4:50. I don't stress overtime, just happy with a job. But as this one way discussion from my boss unfolded I thought what am I doing here? I was very calm... I work very hard making customers happy and doing most things on my own. I was voted most pleasant to be around by my team. Never stole like a lot of members of the team, not a thing, including time. Late three minutes stay five. I thought these guys talking to me make three times what I make and posses nothing of value. I own a business myself and understand where they come from... I get it. I just had this complete calmness though thinking no matter what happens, I have more credentials then any person in the entire department. Nothing did happen though. But this reassures my feeling of why do we work for others.... Call it slavery and another will call you ungrateful, call it justice and another calls it unfair. I see guys that live and die by there boss. Is this the way it has to be??? I hope my shop is not this way. What about having a job no matter what it was but loving it? Is that possible? Ranting again sorry folks