Yeah, and once you have kids it seems to get even worse... on the plus side, not having to wonder "am I doing anything really meaningful with my life?" any more

Yeah, and once you have kids it seems to get even worse... on the plus side, not having to wonder "am I doing anything really meaningful with my life?" any more is a bonus. On the other hand, you're forced to face more mortality; but even this has its advantages (c.f. "meaningful" above).