Remember: knowing what you don’t want is part of working towards what you do. As Yue said, reverse want you don’t want. So..

I don’t like the boring repetitive meaningless tasks. = I want to do something where every day is different.
I hate that I have no input in what I do throughout the day. I just do tasks for the corporate machine. = I want to have the freedom to work independently (this could be by being your own boss).
I hate that the only way “up” is climbing the career ladder into higher positions which demand different but equally meaningless tasks for keeping the company profitable. = I don’t want to work for a corporation. = I want to work for a small business or a not-for-profit.
I hate that I have no control over my advancement in the field. I just have to wait until they promote me on a schedule. I have to wait until they decide to train me for something new. No amount of ambition or desire to learn gets me anywhere (outside of getting my masters degree). = I want control over my career.

Being a people person is important, as is being able to write well and being “smart”. Try to take these things as well-intentioned compliments – I know that can be hard to do when you feel like crap.

Clearly from your dad’s experience you don’t want to work in an office – you want to be out there, doing something. You say you’ve thought about being a nurse – why? What was it that attracted you? The people focus? The helping people?

You say all you really talk about is trying to improve yourself – how about imparting some of that knowledge? Become a life coach or a counsellor/therapist. Most therapists and coaches (particularly if they work from home) set their own hours and have total control over their lives. If they want to get better they either coach more or do courses/read up on psychology and new developments. Maybe going to Tibet wouldn’t be such a bad idea – really get in touch with yourself.

Other jobs that help people and have some people focus, as well as control over yourself, include plumbers, carers, shop owners and all sorts of others. The most important thing you’ve got to do is be prepared to jump. Jump from that job and just do SOMETHING else. Anything. Work in a bar and show interest in how it all works and try and work your way up to management. Get a job as an administrator in a company whose sector interests you (a publishers say, or a newspaper). Talk to people and ask them about their jobs in the organisation, and the process of creating a book. By all accounts you’re a ‘people person’ who’s ‘smart’ – use that. You might find something that really interests you. You might not. Cross it off the list – you tried it.

Oh and that tropical island dream? She’s way ahead of you http://www.cosmopolitan.com/lifestyle/a39772/why-i-gave-up-a-95k-job-to-move-to-an-island/
Good luck! Be brave – try not to get held back by what’s expected of you. I did, and I’m now putting that right. You can too. 🙂