I've been through this before. Vacations never help and are only temporary blinders. I think the core of the issue, at least for me, is a hyper-realization that

I've been through this before. Vacations never help and are only temporary blinders. I think the core of the issue, at least for me, is a hyper-realization that there is so much more to life than work. I don't think there's any way to get out of this type of rut without taking significant risks once you've mentally passed that checkpoint. It's an even harder problem to escape if you have financial issues or family obligations. If you have a strong work ethic and/or skills other than in your job, you could start your own thing and maybe it'll go somewhere, or not. The only other alternative that I've thought of is to work a 9-5 job that you are over-qualified for. At least with that option, you'll get the satisfaction of performing well, being completely free to pursue your passions outside of the 9-5 while still being able to pay your bills.