I think that's a shock everyone goes through. You either accept it as a fact of life and take the paycheck to survive and feed your family, or you figure out an

I think that's a shock everyone goes through. You either accept it as a fact of life and take the paycheck to survive and feed your family, or you figure out an alternative path. Personally, I find offices pretty depressing usually, the only way I tolerate it is with self-employment. Fulfillment isn't something I really think about, I just want to make sure I'm maximizing my own potential. If money doesn't matter as much, I don't see why you wouldn't learn a skilled trade. These types of people are usually happier; if you are responsible, reliable and not drugged out, and master a difficult skill that's in demand, you will always have work. In addition, the path to self-employment is obvious, clear, and potentially lucrative.