[engi_nerd]

There's "coding" which is usually used to imply creating business applications. This you say is blue collar. I wouldn't know because that's not a world I have much experience with. But the world needs good "coders". And good blue collar workers.

Many of the problems you discuss are common to much of human experience. Every generation laments lack of virtue in the young, though most of those doing the lamenting are usually considerably older than you. You say you are 22. Here's a thought: has it occurred to you that to people more experienced than you, you are the "young, inexperienced" kind of person you're lamenting? Maybe you're a genius and wise beyond your years (but I do not think this is the case, as Bahamut said...this is a good growth opportunity for you) but you still have much to learn, and you always will for the rest of your life. So stay humble.

As an aside, there is a whole world of programming involving the need to understand mathematics, physics, and engineering at deep levels. If you're looking for a deeper intellectual challenge, look for areas where computer programs must interface or simulate complex systems of systems. You may find ways to scratch your need for maturity and rigor by programming, say, a model of a real hardware component of an aircraft.