Thanks. I'd suggest that from an existential perspective, everything seems absurd.

Indeed, though, the ascetic aspect of religion may make for a dissimilarity between religion and secularism. Authentic religious people may renounce worldly concerns to some extent, sacrificing their happiness for a greater good.

There's some self-sacrifice in secular society, too, such as in charity work or the years of study you may pursue in academia. Even the societal obligation to work at all requires some self-sacrifice (especially since most people don't love their job). But overall, secular society is oriented around self-fulfillment, not renunciation.