It really is - your life needs deep importance. Work is one of the things that provides that. If you feel like you're not important you're going to be unhappy.

One can find fulfilment in anything. You may think someone lazing on a beach all day is wasting their life, and they may think the same about a drone who is sitting in a windowless office for 60 hours a week from age 21 to 65 so their bosses can get richer. Family, community, art, relaxation, work - what is important in life is entirely up to you.

I used to think like that. It made me miserable. What's made me happy has been to come to terms with it not mattering one iota whether it feels like I'm important.

That's not to say it's not a good feeling when someone finds utility in something I've done, but a nice walk also gives me the same good feeling.

*that can provide that, as can many other things