Most very creative and talented people I have met do have big egos. Artists, musicians, photographers,salesmen, doctors, (the list goes on), have much at stake when they fail. They pour their hearts and souls into their work. The time and effort they spend and risk are things you cannot get back if you become a failure. It is a high stakes gamble that only a select few win big at.
I do my photography for fun and pleasure which keeps it enjoyable, and a non stressful creative outlet. Had my own business for awhile and did quite well. To pay the bills I had to take shoots that were mundane and boring. Now I shoot for fun and love it.