Can I ask what kind/fields of research you support? I left my big tech job some months ago to try start something of my own (in an attempt to find more joy in my day-to-day, hence the post), but if things don't work out for me what you describe sounds pretty appealing as well.

My field is mostly about data engineering and human computer interactions. But the projects are diverse, with healthcare, air traffic control, museums exhibitions, drones, factories… Nothing too crazy but it’s a lot of interesting things to think about.