No OP but I can tell you exactly where I find my peace:

4 dependents, a cost of living that keeps rocketing and an industry that’s decided “the people who don’t glaze this shit don’t get to continue”.

Maybe Ive sold out but what’s the alternative, I’m 17 years in, I can’t figure how I pivot my expertise and still support the family’s demands.

I've heard it being described as an iterated prisoner's dilemma and very many people are very publicly defecting.

Fair enough. I have no criticism for people whose employers are forcing it on employees. I blame the employers there.

But the OP didn't sound like one of the reluctant.