RE: Traveling at the Edge of Depression
Seems like humanity has built a system — a socital machine, even — that depends on people following a very narrow prescribed path in order to be included in the general benefits of that society. As you suggest, one particular job style, one particular set of values, and so on.
Coming to the USA from Denmark, one of the first things I noticed was the attitude towards work. I came from a culture where seven weeks of paid vacation a year is standard... and suddenly had to accept almost having to feel guilty for taking a single sick day as a mental health day.
It never fit my paradigm, and I had to step away from the cesspool otherwise known as the IT industry after a few years.
I live outside (for the most part) the norms of society... and I expect that a lot of people think something is "very wrong" with me.
Those in power benefit from this misery. The "culture' here was created by propaganda. We have used military like propaganda since the industrial age to brainwash US citizens into being modern day slaves. There's nothing wrong with you. You are just surrounded by assholes. Not your fault. My husband is European and I am very thankful to have him to slow me down and to encourage me not to work my life away. Quantity over quality is the standard here in the good old USA.