Ben Levi: cant the intrinsic value simply be that it is something that gives a person great joy on life? I imagine that first and foremost the Torah’s intention is to make us live a happy life. a person who would enjoy living if she practiced a certain career would see great intrinsic value in a career.
As for those who have argued (and believe it or not I have seen the argument) that it is not very important for the Torah whether or not the person is happy, I suggest you begin by reading Devarim and see all promises made to those who keep the Torah. It is not “you will get to heaven.” Not once is that even mentioned. Sometimes common sense needs to prevail. Of course the Torah wants you first and foremost to be happy.
Of course the Torah prescribes to you what you need to do in order to live a happy life but “be a housewife and not a [dentist/accountant/brick layer]” is not among the Torah prescriptions. The Torah wants you to live a happy/Torah life as a [housewife/dentist/accountant/brick layer] and in many ways finding out what makes you happy in life is the first step in keeping a Torah life.