I (32) have been employed since I was 23, and I've always hated it. Everything about it. The fake socialization, the people, the pressure to work overtime, the office culture, the feeling of being a mindless drone etc.
I have often found myself in trouble because I never wanted to eat lunch with my colleagues, I never wanted to be a part of the “team”, I never participated in any afterwork activities. They always thought of me as a weirdo. The only thing I've ever wanted regarding work is to do the fucking job and gtfo on time.
So I finally registered myself as an entrepreneur and now I work for a company 4 days a week. I have my hourly rate, and the tax I pay is much less than when I was employed (because now I don't pay for the social services such as pension etc.). In the end I get more money than before, which is what matters to me.
I have never been happier! I have a three-day weekend and every Friday I wake up and go for a run! I love running, but somehow now I especially love it on Fridays. I don't dread Mondays anymore.
Other than that, I do my job, I leave on time – and if for some reason they need me to stay longer, that will cost more, although I was specific about not wanting to work after 18:30. I put all my hours in the invoice at the end of the month. No more “do overtime and take a day off when we decide on it” bullshit. I want money, not your fucking permission to take a day off.
Consider doing this if you can. I'm European based in Paris.