Hi KoDude
A few thoughts from employment counseling models...don't know if something will fit for you but here goes.
I am going to make three very general groups for the purpose of simplicity.
Depending on personality temperament, preferences, values, etc...(Note- there is nothing right or wrong with any of these ways, people are just different.)
A) Some people are quite happy to do anything at work, as long as it gives them the money/prestige/flexibility/etc to have the lifestyle they want.
B) Some people need to do interesting or meaningful work. Some, like me, need to do work that is in line with deeper core values.
C) Another thing that can happen, is a person may reach a stage of life where self-actualization is at the forefront...
If you are in B or C, you can do some exploration with a professional career counselor and make a change- you could also read books like "Do what you Are" and "What color is your parachute"
Another thing you could do, is list your interests, values, preferences, etc. Then think about your life/work balance, about your activities in both areas, and list them. Using the two lists, determine how the criteria in the first list are being met by the activities int he second list, and what things in the second list are contributing in some way to the first.
By doing this, people sometimes discover that they are getting their needs met in ways they did not realise, and work becomes more interesting...or at least more tollerable. Also, a small adjustment can be made to the life/work balance, such as finding ways outside of work to meet self-actualization needs, interests, etc (like volunteering, or study, or hobbies/sports/etc) Or a small adjustment in work activity can be made that makes things more interesting. (could be challenging yourself to improve, or become eficient, or notice trends, could be breaking up monotonous tasks with periods of other activity, or could be a midset) I was terribly bored with the marketing aspect of my last job- but when I remembered that it was helping people find work, helping businesses succeed, improving the economy, and saving the governments money, I actually did not mind too much. A means to the end.
Anyways, I am certain you will find your way through this.
vitaman