What is this working thing about anyhow?

As I approach 5 months in bonny England, I start to ask myself. What is this working thing about anyhow?
People who know me, know that I am a mild workaholic with unfounded enthusiasm for making stuff happen. Or as Winston would put it "Lets put on a Show".
As I draw to, what should have been the end, of a glorious deployment. I understand that when the techie says, "I just have to plug it in and change the IP,register the name and it's done, I could have done it yesterday".. He is lying, Mistaken, and optimistic to the point of incomprehension.
I have to ask, why am I doing this. Am I being paid enough for this shit. It is -1 degrees outside and my fingers freeze (yes I should wear my gloves, but it's only a 5 minute walk). And while waiting for the train and read the advertisements on the tube station walls. There is a picture of a palm tree and I think of home. If so many people think paradise is warm weather, beaches, and a relaxed life style, then why is this city so full.
Is there a plot to keep the people working, so they never get quite enough money. Am I any better off than someone who doesn't work. I envy those those of you who manage with the alternative lifestyles. I know being a wage slave is bollocks. But one person cannot build and empire.