In most cases, atleast in middle-class America, life is a prison of your own making. I think a lot of people hope for an external agency to magically take them

In most cases, atleast in middle-class America, life is a prison of your own making. I think a lot of people hope for an external agency to magically take them out of their current situation, when, in most cases the only agency that can help you is yourself. If you feel the need to provide a stable life for your family at present and not make any dramatic changes (like moving), then the best option to come out of your funk is to engage with the world right around you. Do something hip (even if you make fun of it), play some team sports, engage with your community or neighbors and participate whole-heartedly in activities even if they seem stupid to you and most importantly, engage with your wife and kids, do something that your wife is asking of you, play with your kids without thinking of the other stuff! Ultimately, what I have found for me is that interaction and having mindless fun with friends and family always gets me out of depressing thoughts like you are having. Even though the grass always seems greener elsewhere or it seems like there are way more things in life you could be doing or achieving, the reality is that feeling good doesn't really need all of that. Oh, also, on the side, do pursue your idea of getting a remote job that is more interesting, but keep your expectations low. Make the attempt instead of thinking of the various negatives. Good luck!