Fair enough. I've been in software more than I would like to admit. And the more I'm in, the less I care about achievements in a work environment. All I care about is that the company pays me every month, because companies don't care about me (they care about my outome per hour/week/month). So it's essential to rank yourself high against your peers (being ethically and the like, ofc), otherwise you are out in the next layoff. I know not every company is like this, but the vast majority of tech companies are.

Outside of work, yeah, everything is fine and there's nothing but the pure pursue of knowledge and joy.

People would really be better off seeing themselves as mercenaries with health benefits. You are nothing more. You learn, you make friends, but your job is ephemeral. Do it, but don't get attached TO it.

All companies are like this. Some just have better HR/PR.