> doing “janitorial” work is rewarding in that it is, um, real work.

> What I mean is that it’s really easy to have a multi decade career in tech and look back, realizing that not only is none of the code you worked on still running anywhere, but none of the companies even exist

Actual janitors have their work undone by the time their next shift begins. I don't get the tech nihilism[1]; making software is "real work" - maybe you're too far removed from your actual users to experience their appreciation, or perhaps you hate your users - not judging, I've worked in the enterprise space too. One doesn't need to leave software to make a difference, but if its tech that's burning you out, more power to you.

Expecting permanence is a fools errand, and likely born of hubris. A truly janitorial mindset is knowing your work makes things temporarily a little better, but entropy always wins if not for people like you.

1. I suspect people complaining about "bullshit jobs" have limited imagination, experience, or both.