Man, I totally get this. I read 'Moby Dick' for a class and thought it was just about a whale. Then a buddy explained how the whale is like all the stuff we chase but never catch. It blew my mind. Same with your painting thing, where a broken character sees meaning in art. Sometimes you need that outside nudge to see what's really there.

The Home Depot near me added a similar section six months ago. I keep a couple of common motors in my truck now, saves a trip mid-job.

My local shopping strip has three empty storefronts now where there used to be a tailor, a nail tech, and a dog groomer. All of them operate from their houses or garages now. I see the same thing with personal trainers and music teachers. It feels like a whole wave of skilled people are deciding the high rent and rigid hours just aren't worth it anymore. They'd rather deal with the paperwork and have the freedom. Your field seems to be part of that same big shift.