I think the sentiment behind the OP and agreeing comments are twofold: 1. The desire to create tangible, physical products and improvements rather than abstrac

I think the sentiment behind the OP and agreeing comments are twofold: 1. The desire to create tangible, physical products and improvements rather than abstract ones- some of which never see the light of day outside of the sprint. 2. The desire to expend physical labor and use one’s body rather than only one’s mind. I think the trades would fulfill that but maybe more software engineers who experience this anxiety would be happier if they pursued some sort of skilled craftsman hobby, or even career. Being a construction carpenter is one thing, becoming an artisan who makes bespoke wooden products is probably closer to the lifestyle (and compensation) that’s being idealized here.