[thorin]

I can sympathize to some degree, but I certainly don't hate it. I like programming/software, I like people, I like solving problems. Most industries that make huge amounts of money generally have their issues. I take advantage of the money to do stuff I enjoy in my spare time, when I was your age I travelled a lot for several months (very cheaply). I learnt new things and did different sports etc.

If I could go back in time I might be a teacher or hospital worker, but actually if I'd done that I would have missed out on a lot of cool stuff. If you're earning a lot as you suggest you should easily be able to earn enough to take some reasonable time off and still be employable when you return which is one of the big benefits of software engineering.