Some people will never be happy, no matter what their job. Happy is on the inside. Some things bring you joy, but true happiness you generate for yourself. Regardless of the job.
I agree 100%
Sometimes I enjoy my job. Sometimes its unpleasant and I just enjoy the things it allows me to do....like own a home, raise a family, etc. Don't think that the younger generation delaying marriage, delaying or not having kids is completely separate from the job dissatisfaction issue. There is overlap. It's easier to do a hard job when you are building something real.
Anyhoo, there's this crazy thing that people do from time to time when their job doesn't meet their needs- they get a different job.
I had a few "career level" employers since I left college (I don't count part time and summers). I was a used car salesman from '92-'95. My wife and I knew that was not a long term thing, so I left and went to law school and she worked to provide for our living expenses while I scholarshipped and student loaned my way through. Then, I got my first law job. I left after 7 total months, 3 months after I became a real lawyer because the place was horribly managed and it was soul draining. I worked at another firm for about 17 years (the same one my wife found soul draining as a secretary while I was in school) and I loved it for a long time and made the best friends I have. But the $$$ became unsatisfactory, so I left (as did several others) and went to where I am now (8+ years).
Three "I lefts" the younguns have to learn to have a little gumption and LEAVE the job if its that soul crushing. Or do what it takes to get the skills to do a different kind of work. It really is up to them. They need to stop playing victim. Don't be "that guy" who essentially steals from the employer and brings everyone around them down.