Fine advice (better than OP). This works till you realize you're burned out, plus didn't get that promo, instead going to that bikeshedding worthless co-worker

Fine advice (better than OP). This works till you realize you're burned out, plus didn't get that promo, instead going to that bikeshedding worthless co-worker who's clearly less deserving. Motivation, productivity go out the window. You don't give a sh*t about the work, team, code quality, made up deadlines or real issues. Real maturity comes now. You learn to appreciate your limits, see what really matters despite what's being said and observe who make the calls and what their agenda is. And finally, when you've picked a path and it seems like it works, you'll find equilibrium, somewhere between an idealistic comment on a PR and your next interview. Till something else like health or kids rock the boat. Take it easy, you matter more to you than your work. 15 years on, only ones who will remember the weekends you spent at work are your family and kids. Get out more, find solace in the varied arts. Enjoy you painless body till it lasts. Make the weekdays show up between weekends not the other way. Laugh more. Eat well. Feel your surroundings. Make friends, keep friends. Make memories. Don't throw your life away chasing menial pursuits. If a piece of work is really that substantial and meaningful, it will show itself as such. Don't go looking for it.