I really sympathize. I'm very lucky to have found a career that is meaningful to me, where I can use my best skills and inherent talents to make my little piece of the world a better place. Unfortunately it is long hours, tons of stress, and pays crap, but it's so interesting- I never know what I'll be doing when I walk in the door, and it's very flexible in terms of setting my own schedule.

But if I were stuck in a 9-5 repetitive job with no fulfillment, I'd hate work, too! I do consider myself very fortunate. But outside things that let me connect with the community are really what I live for, and help me through times when I don't feel as good about myself.