I feel like you've got a little over-dramatic here.
Firstly, i'm not married nor do i have children. Secondly, these things will come, in time.
I find it discouraging that you feel that one can't take pride or enjoy work while being "a cog". This isn't about 'everlasting glory'; it's about enjoyment, it's about fun, it's about being proud about what you've created and owning it, it's about respect from your peers, it's about being a part of something.
As you said, "if it is something you actually want to be doing then that is one thing". It is. It is exactly what i want to be doing.
Firstly, i'm not married nor do i have children. Secondly, these things will come, in time.
I find it discouraging that you feel that one can't take pride or enjoy work while being "a cog". This isn't about 'everlasting glory'; it's about enjoyment, it's about fun, it's about being proud about what you've created and owning it, it's about respect from your peers, it's about being a part of something.
As you said, "if it is something you actually want to be doing then that is one thing". It is. It is exactly what i want to be doing.