Looking back from the wrong end of a happy 30+ year career in software development, I think the best you can hope for is to do stuff that you find the most enga

Looking back from the wrong end of a happy 30+ year career in software development, I think the best you can hope for is to do stuff that you find the most engaging and enjoyable in the moment. To me, a search for "meaning" in the now is mostly an expression of hope that you can someday enjoy some long-term retrospective pride in your work. Looking back at the fun I had 20-30 years ago, it all looks completely trivial (aka mostly meaningless) compared to where the world is today. I have zero regrets, but was my career "meaningful"? Not a chance. YMMV, of course. Keep your arms inside the vehicle and do your best to enjoy the ride while you still can.