Yes, messy codebases are the norm. some places even have broken build systems, broken configuration systems, that make even the simplest things incredibly diff

Yes, messy codebases are the norm. some places even have broken build systems, broken configuration systems, that make even the simplest things incredibly difficult to work with. sometimes you have to develop remotely, making everything much harder. It's pretty normal for work to be No fun. That's just the way it is. Save up as much money as you can. Live as frugally as possible. With the savings you can retire early and never have to work again.