Well, I can kind of relate. I'm 10 years into network engineering and about 2-3 years into SDN/data center automation. It used to be exciting at first but now it's gotten kind of boring.

Don't underestimate the power of your half ass, your half ass is probably many people's whole ass.

Your work can be fulfilling and it's exciting when it is but it'll never satisfy your need for human connection. I'm in a role where I'm compensated adequately but I'm very unfulfilled. It's not toxic but I'm very disconnected. I'm trying to upskill at the moment and get my CCNP DEVCOR so I can look for a more cushy role with probably less pay