> I've never met anyone who was actually happy at Google when you sat them down for an honest talk. Everyone was either coasting and depressed/disengaged, or overworked and stressed
I think this is true of most careers in the US. At the end of the day it's a job, help you provide for yourself and family. It would be amazing if you were in love with every minute of it, but it a means to the end. You hear many NFL players say the same thing, they dont care if they win or lose, it's just their job. They show up, play, get a pay check and go on with their life.
I'd settle for at least feeling like my time on earth is not wasted and my talents are appreciated. I completely felt that in jobs before Google and I'm feeling it right now in my post-Google job at another FAANG (but it could be because I'm at a more senior role and it's a honeymoon phase)
I think this is true of most careers in the US. At the end of the day it's a job, help you provide for yourself and family. It would be amazing if you were in love with every minute of it, but it a means to the end. You hear many NFL players say the same thing, they dont care if they win or lose, it's just their job. They show up, play, get a pay check and go on with their life.