[cyberneticc]

While this is spot on about purpose and identity, I think for most people it's really about how others see them - our self-worth is tied to social validation. Notice how we're miserable when unemployed but happy on vacation or retirement. Some people do fall apart without external pressure, but that's often because they stopped listening to their inner desires long ago. It'll take a generation or two to adjust to work being optional, but humans are incredibly adaptable. We'll figure it out.