If nothing changed as to how you’re withholding your paychecks then the other explanation is that the tax codes changed. I heard that this year tax credits were reduced so that may explain. I’m not a tax professional but just check.

If there’s no after life then it doesn’t matter what you do. You can decide your purpose. But the fact that you seem to be seeking an answer beyond your subjective opinion suggests you intuitively know there has to be a more objective standard of purpose and meaning.

If life ultimately has no purpose other than our subjectivity then it stands to reason that you just make it up as you go. Your purpose you give yourself is just as valid as someone else, at least objectively no one can call you out and say your perspective is wrong. But if you want an answer with more substance and grounding, then it has to fall on something objective.