I think there's a general sense of purpose missing in a lot of peoples lives these days. I think (probably controversially) that much of it comes from the wave of subjectivism that has enveloped western culture over the last few decades. People are being driven away from the things that objectively and measurably create a sense of purpose, be on a conscious of subconscious level. That isn't to say that there aren't an immeasurable number of exceptions to the rule....do what you want.....Only that the societal norms that once gave people some semblance of purpose are now being eaten away. That if you fall back into these societal norms that by all objective measures have historically been linked to greater levels of happiness and purpose, you're somehow re-enforcing an archaic, socially constructed hierarchical system. Thus, there's great pressure to turn away from the things that have generally been known to give one a sense of fulfillment. And, as said before, it can be conscious or unconscious, and it can come from many different places. Schools, media, or just society at large. And, without purpose, it's pretty easy to see how one can become jaded. Frustrated. Like they're missing something.
Just my opinion. Flame on.