Genuinely did not expect a Pixar movie to have such a meaningful focus. I know they always pursue grand thenes, but they're usually overshadowed by the plot. This movie is all about the exploration of the themes of life, death and meaning and I really like it.
I think the film also discusses the idea that your career shouldn't be the end goal of happiness (which is super far from our current situation, where careers are necessary for lifestyle, rather than careers as lifestyle)
Joe finally performs with his idols and the end result is him just feeling kinda ok- the idea that the ladder of success and fame shouldn't be what artists strive for. I do think the film missed out on showing teaching as just as fulfilling as individualistic acts of fame, rather than a placeholder.
Yeah I liked that aspect of it, that your career shouldn't define your life.