As I have been away for several days and I am emotionally depleted.
You asked:
>It takes a lot of strength to be your own boss/destiny in this world? Do we have an actual choice in anything we do? "

I think the basis of some religions is that we have that choice, that "free will". How many times have we made mistakes and then learned from them? Even if these were "commandments" or moral choices we knew were wrong? I believe it is WE who choose our way, and then we have to live with our choices or our conscience.
Is this the proverbial hell on earth? Making wrong choices?

>And if not, then why bother if we're screwed anyway?

Hmmm...that's depending on whether you believe something BAD will happen to you if you don't. The old "fear factor" the churches dole out. Don't buy into it. Be your own judge, live in love, not fear. And yes, I think the universe has eyes. But don't ask me why some people die in accidents or wars or after long, debilitating illnesses.
Use prayer, meditation, visualization, positive thinking, honoring whatever created YOU, your life, your family, your home and be in JOY about it. As you feel honored or blessed, blessings will come to you.

>"Life on Earth seems to favor the powerful and wealthy. Is life extremely unfair?"

There's no shame in working hard to make a living.
We have examples of the "wealthy" every day on TV, the best examples being this administration who steal other's money for their own personal agendas and power. They're not about "giving it back". But they fall because of their own hubris. If there is a "war between good and evil" here on earth; it is PLAYED OUT on a daily basis by those who steal, covet, murder and bear false witness; while those who live properly and righteous are often blessed with what they have. They don 't have to watch their back, mistrust their friends, or hire expensive lawyers to cover up their dirty deeds. And they can sleep at night.
We don't know how miserable the richest people in the world are.

Is there a reward for this?
I don't know. There should be.
If we come around again, maybe it will be easier. If we die, we'll go in peace and find peace. I don't claim to have the answer. I just know what works for me.