I think I might be future you, perhaps 10 years ahead of where you are. Also a dilettante by nature, I've spent time working across multiple roles, levels of seniority, technology stacks and business domains and I think this variety of experience has ultimately helped my career.
I've progressed up the corporate ladder about as far as I care to. My days are now largely spent bridging the gap between business folk and technologists, helping design or remediate systems and processes, and guide both sides of the divide towards a place of least regret.
That said, corporate life has drained me. My role often boils down to trying to make lemonade from the rotten lemons thrown my way. As a manager I am responsible for selling corporate BS that I don't believe in to the team, and taking on other's problems as my own.
I am however paid reasonably fairly for my ability to keep the team productive and the lemonade flowing. And this allows me to pursue things that do bring meaning to my life, as well as consider saving for an early retirement. I could find a job that is better for the soul, but it would likely delay retirement or mean I would have to cut back on other fun activities.
As it is I volunteer at a number of local charities, and try to spend my non-work time doing things that are good for the soul (outdoor activities, travel, photography, music, reading, making things etc).
My current perspective is if you have a job that pays well, allows you to support your family and maintain interests outside of work, even if the job is just barely tolerable, you're probably doing okay. Stick at it. Just make sure that you do try to 'balance the books' with enriching activities, because a lack of balance can catch up with you quickly.
I've progressed up the corporate ladder about as far as I care to. My days are now largely spent bridging the gap between business folk and technologists, helping design or remediate systems and processes, and guide both sides of the divide towards a place of least regret.
That said, corporate life has drained me. My role often boils down to trying to make lemonade from the rotten lemons thrown my way. As a manager I am responsible for selling corporate BS that I don't believe in to the team, and taking on other's problems as my own.
I am however paid reasonably fairly for my ability to keep the team productive and the lemonade flowing. And this allows me to pursue things that do bring meaning to my life, as well as consider saving for an early retirement. I could find a job that is better for the soul, but it would likely delay retirement or mean I would have to cut back on other fun activities.
As it is I volunteer at a number of local charities, and try to spend my non-work time doing things that are good for the soul (outdoor activities, travel, photography, music, reading, making things etc).
My current perspective is if you have a job that pays well, allows you to support your family and maintain interests outside of work, even if the job is just barely tolerable, you're probably doing okay. Stick at it. Just make sure that you do try to 'balance the books' with enriching activities, because a lack of balance can catch up with you quickly.