Met up with some work colleagues from a job I left a decade ago. My most stark takeaway was the palpable effect of agency. Most folks don't have it. They are in the exact same place in life doing the same job, probably earning the same or less in terms of purchasing power. The only thing that's changed is the company name.

It was a bittersweet revelation.

Lasting happiness comes from healthy relationships, creating things, and working hard to achieve progress toward your goals. Always keep moving forward. Don't get trapped on the treadmill.