TL;DR
But just the 1st text block elicits the following thoughts:
1. The flashy “visual design” stuff you are dissing is probably what earned you your current job doing what is (supposedly) meaningful.
2. The “solving problems” thing which brought you the serendipity you describe is actually what is taught in a legit undergrad design course.

I would also add that finding new ways for FB to cram ads and BS through people’s retinas is hardly “solving problems for people”. You are solving problems for the company.