Any advice on finding some fulfillment in work again? The burnout at this point is resistant to everything that used to work

Are you me?

Burnout snuck up on me after 20 years of working hard, pushing myself farther, faster, trying to create award winning work on tough accounts, through seven CCO’s, both good and not so good, trying hard to keep steps ahead of ageism which eventually got me. The feeling of being marginalized was totally deflating, the lies from company heads whom I walked through fire for,
who now acted distant and aloof. Knowing the target was now squarely fixed on your back is a very shitty feeling that when the dreaded layoff finally happens it brings a sense of relief.
Now the rebuilding of self confidence begins.
I didn’t recognize the burnout from internal politics was creeping up on me until it was to late.
It was never the demands to be brilliant, nor was it the crushing deadlines, and having done my share of pitches sleeping for nights on my office couch and winning our share of accounts was not a factor.
It was the betrayal, the lies, the marginalization from people you held in high esteem.

You gotta find your own outlet outside of work. Just like hitting the gym you need to make creative for yourself. Work is so awful they pay you to do it, and your job is exploiting your talents for capitol gain. But you need to remind yourself you are capable of unique personal expression. At least that works for me, helps me divorce myself from the insanity of working with other humans.

I take breaks– long breaks where I can be with nature and do nothing. Surprisingly, the hack came from my niece who showed me a Studio Ghibli movie when she saw me sighing away at their place.

Try volunteering in a sector you’ve never tried. Like I love the ocean so I found a coastal preservation event for a local Nonprofit doing restoration work. I did some design work for them. Makes me energised and that I gave back and did something good

Probably just gotta find a new job. I think it's often easier to switch environments than to change the current one. Also, consider finding something outside of work that brings you fulfillment, work doesn't have to tick every box in your personal life.

Find work that you’re passionate about. Put some effort into a side-project or idea you’re curious about, and watch what happens. No one is meant to stay in advertising their whole lives. You’re meant to acquire skills and go out and do something meaningful with them.

Haven’t worked in nine months, not fufilling either. Maybe plan a career for your high earning years?