I've felt similarly, on and off, my whole career (7 years since my first SWE internship). Unfortunately I've not got the answers but I do have a thought I want feedback on.
Maybe it's ok not to love it but to be satisfied regardless. It's an in demand, well paid, flexible, reasonably interesting (even if I would never miss it) career that allows me to lead a great life in other aspects without giving up too much. Can't that be enough?
I worry that the current narrative of having to 'love' your job is damaging and causing me (and maybe you) to always be searching for the 'perfect' career which doesn't exist.
Personally I think it depends on how you view your job with respect to the remainder of your daily life.
To some, their job is the main source of fulfilment + a good proportion of their social circle. For others it's a means to an end so that they can fulfill their needs elsewhere in their own time.
The pros you listed are fantastic if you sit on the latter side of the spectrum, but if you really view your work as part of your identity then just being satisfied won't be enough
Are we fundamentally set on that spectrum though? Is it possible to make yourself someone who views their career as a means to an end and is thus more satisfied. My worry is that the more towards the 'job is the main source of fulfilment' side I am the less happy I'll be;
Maybe it's ok not to love it but to be satisfied regardless. It's an in demand, well paid, flexible, reasonably interesting (even if I would never miss it) career that allows me to lead a great life in other aspects without giving up too much. Can't that be enough?
I worry that the current narrative of having to 'love' your job is damaging and causing me (and maybe you) to always be searching for the 'perfect' career which doesn't exist.