The motivation is going to vary between individuals—everyone has their own reasons for wanting to raid.

For me, I raid because I want the challenge of a difficult fight. I raid because I want to push myself and my job to its limits. As frustrating as raiding can be—and it can be very frustrating when you spend so long on an encounter—it’s always worth it when you get that clear. As someone who spent the entirety of 4.3 and an additional 2 weeks in 4.4 on UwU (and we’re talking 4~5 hours a day for as little as 4 days a week to as many as 6~7 towards the end when we finally starting hitting Suppression/Enrage), it is so worth it when you get that clear. Even if it didn’t happen as fast as you wanted it to.

I also really like the people in my static. I was concerned when I joined them for UwU because they were so much more different compared to me—they like to meme and be loud, and I’m fairly serious and quiet—but I was happy to see that we did end up meshing well. Even when we get frustrated with one another, I’m still glad to call them my static and my friends. Plus, I get to raid with my BFF now, and that’s a wonderful thing, too. Even when we are getting frustrated with each other during those off-nights.

The perks to go along with it are nice, too: my UwU title and BRD weapon are now permanent parts of my character and her glamour (as will be that gorgeous Atlas Ultima when we go back in for reclears once v12s is dead). And I do enjoy getting my BiS sets for the jobs I play. Feels nice to get the best gear I can for my class, and watch my damage increase with each piece.