I think I know what you mean. I've hit a phase where time spent at work feels like wasted time, since it's not time I got to spend doing something I wanted to be doing. Which is really contrary to the usual philosophy that time not spent money is wasted.
I've switched jobs gone back to school etc, but no matter what once something becomes a mandatory routine that time feels like a waste. I'm starting to really value and cherish the seconds I actually have control over.
Going to work is the difference between 15-20 minutes or 1 hour or longer with multiple bus changes.
Live in a place with shitty public transport and things being spread apart and unsafe drivers makes even bikes or motorcycles something I would not risk.
Aside from that benefit is in emergencies you can just leave right away without having to wait for someone to arrive at your destination, which I've had to do when I was taking care of a family member.
When you live in a place with crappy public transport no car means a loss of independence.