I was a teacher for almost a decade. I had a fulfilled sense of purpose and was miserable doing it. I was also paid poorly. For the past 6 years I've been doin

I was a teacher for almost a decade. I had a fulfilled sense of purpose and was miserable doing it. I was also paid poorly. For the past 6 years I've been doing data work for government contractors. I feel no sense of purpose with the work I produce and I'm happier in my life than at most any point. My partner works for a pharmaceutical lab and does world changing work. They work on cancer drugs, COVID vaccines, etc. It's a meat grinder and she and all her coworkers hate it. The first question you need to answer for yourself is what is your purpose in life, what makes you happy, how do you want to spend the days you have. Then ask yourself how to structure your work and life to serve those goals. For me that means not having to care about work, and I'm much happier with my life now that I don't.