> We have to function as expected at all times.
No, we don't. (I mean, yes, we do to the degree necessary to keep a job and not get arrested. Other than that, though, no.) Nothing is forcing you to "function as expected at all times" except your bowing to others' expectations for you.
> Toiling along and working through live and spending money on meaningless stuff is the new meaning of life.
Only if you make it so. As it sounds like you have figured out, there's no actual meaning there. Don't keep chasing down that dead end; you won't find anything there.
I figured it out. But it doesn't help. Economically I am forced to function. No work no money. I need a certain amount of money to sustain a reasonable level of family life. I like it simple. But still - I must function.
I love being a dad.