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I think this is subjective. I get a sense of purpose from my job. I don't feel like 'just' a labourer, I feel like by working I'm contributing to society and helping others.

I don't want infinite leisure, I want to feel useful. A good day's work is very satisfying. But at the point machines can do my job better than I can, it might be difficult to feel useful.

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It's called dignity and it's something people struggle with a LOT when they age.

"Don't worry grandad, I'll mow the lawn".

What happens to your purpose when you get fired, laid off, company goes out of business?

I would be really surprised if there was anything more then a fringe minority that found a sense of purpose from their job.

For me, it's about having a job I enjoy and feel like I'm good at. Which would apply to most of the jobs I've done. So in those circumstances I'd just get a new job, there are lots of roles and industries that interest me.

The problem would occur if I was unemployed and unemployable because my skills (or any new skills I could conceivably learn) were no longer valuable.

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