Per my experience, nothing beats the "i work on what i love and passionate".
Coorporate environment of course has some advantages, for what they called "the real world experience". But it doesn't mean they're more capable than "lonely hackers" that can build his own universe by the weekends.
the only thing that beats "i work on what i love and passionate" is "i work on what i love and passionate and therefore I'm well paid" and "i work on what i love and passionate and therefore I'm well paid with a great work life balance"
Coorporate environment of course has some advantages, for what they called "the real world experience". But it doesn't mean they're more capable than "lonely hackers" that can build his own universe by the weekends.
"Learn/Work by heart" is a dangerous thing.