How to prevent that existential dread when you are not doing anything worthwhile?

So jao sab khud se theek ho jaega 🎀

Create things on the side

Plan backup

Give some entrance exam

Work on your self worth.
On the side note what your yoe ?

Unrelated question. What's typical YOE required to apply for staff engineer at Google?

I also have similar dreadful feelings. Although I don't know how to fix it, knowing that you might be kicked out of your company any time the higher-ups decide definitely gives me some motivation. Also sometimes learning things without a motive attached to them helps.

Try working on a 20% project that you feel you relate with personally.