Been in tech (hardware) for about 8 years now. I've been close to leaving several times due to all of the reasons listed in this thread. Unfortunatly I'm still here. The right opportunity hasnt presented itself yet - so I will keep searching/waiting. Its inspiring to read that people have managed to get out and do interesting things after - thanks for sharing your stories!
Sci-fi: Seveneves by Neal Stephenson. I found it fantastic though the end goes a little bit too fast and with too little detail as compared to the beginning.
Autorouting will not work for most things due to the requirement to meet EMC standards. That board you created will not have any chance to pass EMC (at least if it were an automotive product - I guess CE would fly).
Steering by wire --> none of the cars you listed have steer by wire. Nissan is the only OEM who has steer by wire in production. Brake by wire --> does not exist at all.