I had a similar project when I worked for Da Gub'mint 30 something years ago. In a state where everyone seemed miserable and brain dead, I asked all of the people who stayed why they stayed in that place/job.

The answer was always, "For the job".

No imagination was desired nor required.

So, I left and took a huge career hit. Money or not, misery can have its own company, even if it doesn't know how miserable it is.

Humanity in general is easily 'entertained' to keep from actually thinking. Thinking isn't hard. It's just terrifying when the lights actually turn on.