I'd imagine I'm not doing myself any favours there health wise.
Planning on getting out before the next cycle of crazy hours.
But to answer the question - various reasons. It facilitated a relocation to Europe. Rapid career progression to managerial level. Control over what projects I want to do. Multiple rounds of overseas assignments. Minimal supervision. Exposure to new things in a notoriously secretive industry. Pay is decent too, but that's not really a motivation for charging hard.
>is the job market too tight to get a less cruel job
No I can walk into a job with equal pay and far less stress tomorrow. It would kill progression & personal development though. I figure I can always coast later if need be.
Enjoy your health while you have it, it's far more enjoyable than a few more coins in the bank.