The system is designed to capture everyone as a wage slave and every year there are more barriers put to keep the "pleb" in their lane.
The only way to build wealth (independence, freedom) for one's family is through starting a business that you can scale.
If you go to work at a company always think how you can use the knowledge gained there to start something of your own. Use salaried work as a paid for education, not a mean for living, otherwise you'll get trapped forever.
30 is a turning point, where most people realise about the situation they are in and look for escape.
> In the simplest terms, I just need to be at a place working on something I give a fuck about
That would always be one's own business.
If you are not in a position to run one, always ask for true equity in the business you want to work in.