There’s also retire early as an option. I’m not good enough or willing to put in the effort to get good enough to get into meta, but if I was presented the option of working somewhere kinda shitty but I could retire in 5 years vs working somewhere that was decent but I won’t retire for 30 years, it’s an easy pick.

I can’t really find somewhere where I can work on somewhere I love because the Vern diagrams of jobs I would love to do, and jobs where I am an employee, are completely separate circles

Yes, exactly. Because the venn diagram is the two circles of: things I love to do, and things that I do on someone else's terms.

If someone else is telling you what to do, you won't love it, no matter what. Freedom is a prerequisite for love.

You can retire far quicker on the higher salary.

then what?

Sports, hobbies, reading, writing, side projects, volunteer work, travelling, friends/family, culture, music etc. The same things that a rich person would do? Do whatever you want and/or find stimulating and worthwhile. Being free.

Be happy working for much less pay at all these socially responsibly companies people think are everywhere.

Money is freedom to do what you want, it doesn't mean you have to stop working.

Live your life on your terms, not an employer’s.

Be free from pressure and do stuff whenever and however you want.