I actually have come to a similar realization. Most of the software we build is pointless-- does not bring value, and is the vanity project of some manager som

I actually have come to a similar realization. Most of the software we build is pointless-- does not bring value, and is the vanity project of some manager somewhere or just a way to look busy. Also creating something of value for someone is always seems secondary to some other stupid goal that would only exist within the corporate context, i.e. -- using a library when its really not necessary, having a complicated tangled mess of code when some straightforward logic would do. I don't have an answer for OP's question except that earlier in my career the above really bothered me and I would fight against it; now it doesn't and I basically just try to do what people tell me to with minimum stress, which leaves me more time for my own hobbies.