having a purpose and a couple of bucks in the bank are not mutually exclusive.

and the measuring sticks don’t ahve to be cash or stuff.

if you’re an academic, it’s publciations.

if you’re a law or med student, it’s grades.

if you’re a triathlete, it’s times.

wherever you’re going there’s something to measure oyurself against, and it’s probably not escapable, however much you try to pretend you live apart.