I know I still owe you one, your second question about whether or not I still enjoy research.
The answer is yes and no.
I say yes, because I am still working on this "never-ending" project, that has made me an expert on ecosystem modeling using NPZD model. In fact, we are the very few groups in the world who can reproduce the observed OMZ (oxygen minimum zone) in the Arabian Sea. There is no doubt in my mind that our paper will have an impact on the topic.
I say no, because I feel research is too demanding for me at this point. I feel that I should do something less stressful and to have more flexible working schedule (so that I can help my brother to take care of our aging parents).
If I were your age, I would go abroad, to see the world and to learn as much as possible. I probably would still choose research over other kind of job.