Too true. But I always saw life as an enemy... It's an adversary that tries to beat you down, you know? And it's like; whatever higher-power that exists out there- living your life is the test of faith. No matter how it tries to defeat you- if you prevail over it- you pass the test.
You're not living if it's a chore. But it isn't that it isn't worth living, it's just time for a change. Some aspects of choring are necessary IN life, but life itself should not feel like a chore. Change it up; it's still worth living either way.
Actually, life isn't life when it becomes a chore. One can exist, that's a given. But if one doesn't exercise fully his/her existance, faces and embraces what ever it is that the Universe has to offer, then it doesn't evolve past being what it merely is; a chance to be happy.
This a very good point you've raised. I've been there so I know what it's like. You should always look at life as a game, no matter how significant what your going to do is, just smile and it actually circulates serotonin around your body.