>They think they can win the game of life, but it is really a zero sum game.

Nothing created, nothing lost. It is all a circle of energy. We think that because we are conscious enough to be self-aware and aware of the universe, we are outside of nature.  

I think the happy unemployed people, also have work - or at least, what they constitute as meaningful activity. Those that do nothing though? Are they happy?

For me, I am content to die at pretty much any time, but the work I do while alive is hopefully going to help my family have a better experience in their life. No guarantees - and only a portion of the work is about the money side of it.