[jerf]

"people should take ownership of the consequences of their actions, especially when those actions are part of their professional identity and are reasonably within their control."

That's a normative statement, which I personally agree with, along with the rest of your post, so this is by no means disagreement with anything you said. But it's really easy for people to rationalize away normative statements.

I prefer something a bit more direct: Nobody else is going to save you. Whether or not it "should" be your job to manage your own happiness is an interesting philosophical discussion that happens to have absolutely no bearing on your life, because in your real life, it's on you.

If you are that unhappy with your job, do something. Nobody else will.

[xxcode]

Agreed and I did. I quit Google this Friday.

[jerf]

Congratulations on your determination. Many people don't have the fortitude to take such a step; while it may seem a bit silly, I recommend going ahead and taking a moment to allow a bit of pride in that, so as to encourage the brain bits that allowed you to do that.

I wish you the best.