Are/Were there any other options of taking up a voluntary heavy load other than one you find mind numbing? Say things like run for politics, start teaching or e

Are/Were there any other options of taking up a voluntary heavy load other than one you find mind numbing? Say things like run for politics, start teaching or even start your own company etc. As you mention, this is a dream for many. My fears are literally what you described - I almost shut shop and left for my home country 5 or so years ago to start my own company, but finally decided not to because of variety of reasons. One of them was definitely rusting away alone. So I am looking to hear more!