In a job that is, for the most part, worthy-but-dull, rather than the stuff of dreams

Most good jobs are like that. Glamor is transient, but the enjoyment of doing something well, regardless of the field, is what makes it rewarding.

There is a huge amount of work required to keep society running. The trick is to find a niche where one is comfortable.

BTW, I often suspect that can be a poor choice to choose a job that is also your hobby/passion. If you love photography, will you love it so much when most of your time is doing ad photos for Randy's car lot or filling weekend after weekend with schlocky weddings? If you love music, will it be so much fun when you've got to hit the Motel 6 lounge for your 4 nights a week gig, whether you feel up to it or not?

Even if you get to the more glamorous parts of your field, you still lose the control you had when it was a hobby. The freedom to do what you want, when you want, if you want.