I want "stuff" that I can't buy, like being able to work with others on problems I find personally interesting and important, or being recognized as someone capable of working on challenges problem because of the effort I've put into being able to do so, or contributing to the world in a way that only I can, etc. These aren't things I can just do, like reading a book or watching a movie. In fact, things like reading a book, listening to a record, or watching a movie are things I don't get much out of and don't bring me much joy.

The stuff I DO get a lot out of comes directly from my career. So when it feels like I could/should be getting more out of my career, that's a pretty tough emotion to deal with, and when I hear people claim that doing things like watching a movie or reading a book is the key to happiness, all I hear is someone who simply doesn't understand the dynamic of someone who actually enjoys what they do for work.

Regardless, it's fine to have a different perspective on this, but just know that it's not necessarily about money or even prestige, in itself. I have to spend at least 40 hours a week working, and I'd prefer to spend that time doing what I want to do with people I'd want to do that stuff with. That's accomplished through a more successful career. That satisfaction can't be substituted with leisurely entertainment.

So I suppose my point is that this post really DOES resonate with me lol but it's also interesting that it's not universal.