School prepares you to tackle some of life's hurdles how to articulate yourself, reasonable level of maths, business, economics, sciences etc. If a person has a normal IQ and apply themself school gives them the opportunity to grow up a bit and be somewhat prepared for the real world.

But school can't teach everything.

The government mostly wants another tax payer to buy or rent property and work until 65 or 70.

Many people are happy enough with that. They can take joy in weekends and evenings, walking their dog, going on holidays, listening to music, drinks at the pub, brunch, watching their kids grow up. You can find meaning and joy in living an ordinary life. Even a lot of people take pride and joy in doing a good job and making someone else have a good product or service. I have a lot of those thoughts I suppose the way I say it is I am grateful to have this job that lets me live with my partner and enjoy life. Grateful I am self sufficient through my work and didn't have to move home to live with my parents.
But at the same time I don't want to work forever for someone else but I can still be happy right now.

But I agree with you as well that it is important to question direction and why you settle for something if it isn't what the heart truly desires. And you can't bide your time forever.

A pitfall of modern society is the inability to delay gratification. I think that is a key to FREEDOM and probably increased satisfaction in relationships, health etc.

I hope you find what you are looking for!