Cwadda, although I already knew what you are talking about in theory, I do think expanding on the topic to my specific scenario would help me a great deal. Much appreciated!
Sure, I'll write my thoughts and hope this helps!
most of my project team has been replaced by contractors who I don't really attempt to create a relationship with.
Well, playing the devil's advocate here...why haven't you attempted to create a relationship with any of the contractors? You've chosen not to.
It's bad because it now seems like a prison I have to attend for at least 10 years before I retire.
If you choose to do nothing about this then I can almost guarantee it won't get better on its own. You can't choose to have it continuing being a prison. But you can choose to DO something that might change the situation or otherwise alleviate the feeling.
Looking for new job opportunities. If you find something else, great. If not, then you could end realizing what a great job you have now. Great money, only 40 hours a week, getting to work from home, etc. New baby on the way, getting to raise it yourself. Again, no guarantees on finding anything else. But until you've at least tried to change things, you've already made the decision to accept things how they are.
How about making the choice to feel more job satisfaction? I'm not talking about waking up one day, choosing to say "I love my job!", and now you magically love you job. But choosing to take the steps to help you reach that point. Talking to your boss about switching projects, taking less pay, and doing another task that's more fulfilling? Investing in a therapist? Really, there are so many options. Again, in refusing to act you've made the decision to accept your current situation, which won't change.
I'm sorry if this comes off harsh and hope you don't take these things personally, I'm just a random stranger on the internet ;) But speaking from experience making these kinds of decisions is what's going to make you in full control of not only your work situation, but also the rest of your life.