In Lee's case, at least when he started his career; the answer to that is definitely "yes". He didn't "toil", and he was working on something he believed in and was passionate about.
While Lee's personality changed a lot over time, he was always the guy who got more out of hanging out in a garage building something than someone touring France/Italy/etc.
Because 7/11 handles all the products and logistics to deliver items multiple times daily. Where would he get things to sell, and how would they get to his store?
Too many folks here are commenting on the F-35's design as an airplane, instead of what it really is.
The F-35 is a beautifully designed trillion dollar uncuttable expenditure. If you look at how the program was designed to consume money, instead of deliver anything of value; it's a work of art!
While Lee's personality changed a lot over time, he was always the guy who got more out of hanging out in a garage building something than someone touring France/Italy/etc.