In various experiences of my own over the years, and more recently stories from a friend of mine, make me realise that when push comes to shove, having nothing to lose is a bargaining tool.
That is, if you need your job, then you can't act in a way that could see you lose it. Sometimes, acting in a way that could get you sacked for insubordination is the only way to demonstrate the passion and self belief you need to actually get things done.
There's something wrong with this. It's not unique to work, but it makes you wonder about the way we humans are with each other, doesn't it?