I think most people would do some kind of "work" even if they didn't have to work for money. Especially true for developers.
If I could create my dream job with a dream team of mentors (say "I'd work with Carmack and a few other guys working on a new game engine for VR") I'd certainly do it for free if I was already rich. And I'd do it for half my current salary regardless.
I could make up 100 such dream jobs within an hour, and I wouldn't need to lie, nor be unrealistic about what I'd do in the position.
I think it can be a good indicator of what the candidate is passionate about, what their interests are, what their insights about their capabilities are and so on. Not saying it's the bestest interview question ever, but just like my favourite "Tell me about some code you wrote that you really like" it can give an insight into what drives and motivates a developer.
"Jobs" where you aren't working for money aren't really jobs. They are hobbies. Hobbies can consume your entire life, you can even hire people to support your hobby, but unless you are doing it for the money it isn't really a job.
I worked with/for too many people who are in fact working on their hobby. Running a tech startup is almost a fashion statement in some wealthy circles. The problems start when things get boring. The person who doesn't care about the money tends to loose interest quickly. The absent boss, the founder who no longer comes to the office every day, is a real nightmare.
I think most people would do some kind of "work" even if they didn't have to work for money. Especially true for developers.
If I could create my dream job with a dream team of mentors (say "I'd work with Carmack and a few other guys working on a new game engine for VR") I'd certainly do it for free if I was already rich. And I'd do it for half my current salary regardless.
I could make up 100 such dream jobs within an hour, and I wouldn't need to lie, nor be unrealistic about what I'd do in the position.
I think it can be a good indicator of what the candidate is passionate about, what their interests are, what their insights about their capabilities are and so on. Not saying it's the bestest interview question ever, but just like my favourite "Tell me about some code you wrote that you really like" it can give an insight into what drives and motivates a developer.