I very much agree with you. I just retired after putting in my 40 solid years of working, the past 15 in some variation of UX/Web Design. I actually got into the design field to be a graphic designer in a design studio, which I did for about 7 years. That era was one where I felt that I was being a designer, balancing form and function, coming up with clever innovative ways to create brochures, interactives, posters, etc. I spec'ed special papers and printing techniques. I took on the challenges of working with tiny budgets.

Then I transitioned into UX, not necessarily by choice but by circumstance. I definitely threw myself into the work. I enjoyed the problem-solving aspect of it. I spent off hours reading up on best practices, joined MeetUp groups, etc.

When I announced my plan to retire, my friends and coworkers imagined I'd have a tough time adjusting, as they saw my external dedication to the work.

In fact, I haven't missed my job at all. Why? Creating screen flows and writing up test protocols and building components in Figma just didn't "feed my soul" like graphic design did. Fixing a database UI or tweaking a template just didn't cut it for me. I now spend my time doing collage, slow stitching projects, and other creative pursuits—and yes, pickleball! That's a requirement of the senior set, LOL.