Good engineers must learn that while they spent the time learning their skills, other people spent that time learning how to steal others’ people work. If you are really good, you must start your own company. Much harder, I know.
For example, in the company I work for, sometimes I slip into the mode of feeling like I "own" the product we're making, making an extra effort, being emotionally invested, etc. But then I remember, I would just be a fool who works for his employer for free. Also, achieving change requires a lot more effort and often fails, which can be demotivating. In general, I feel like I could run things substantially better if I had the power. Seeing the mediocrity at fairly successful companies makes me really think about working at a startup.
This hits close to home.
Starting a company does nothing to prevent others from stealing your work. Just puts more effort on the business owner to source business and protect their IP.