The Matrix is a nice metaphor indeed. I haven't watched it, though, not my type of movie.

There is another way of getting out of that real-life matrix-type situation: not getting into it in the first place. You mentioned the issue of increased divorce rates. When I met my wife, I made a deliberate choice of not pursuing those activities that we couldn't do together (like certain sports). I knew that work life will keep us apart long enough. Doesn't make sense to have separate leisure interests. 35 years later, we are still married and very happily so. The same goes for one's job. I had other offers at some time that sounded financially more rewarding/stable. But I knew I couldn't sustain them with satisfaction. So, trying one's best to stay out of the Matrix in the first place is advice that should be given early in adult life.