Nothing is mandatory, it just depends on what you want. I think the narratives in our society definitely push romantic partnerships too hardcore without creating enough narratives about being happy and single. They tend to depict single people as miserable or something is terribly wrong with them. The truth is that there's a lot of single people out there. I know spinners and spinsters who have been single for over a decade. These are highly intelligent, attractive, capable people who just prefer their own company and the company of friends and family. The narrative about partnership in our society is probably to dupe people into having kids, which is in the government's interest. Most people I know who have kids are miserable and regret it, and the studies I've read on this show that parents who say "it was worth it" are suffering from "buyers bias." That's when you end up spending too much money on something low value but tell yourself it was worth it to avoid remorse.
Most of my long-term romantic relationships have been abysmal crash-and-burn failures, but have been valuable learning experiences. I have gone very long stretches of being single and pining for a partner, only to sometimes wish I was single once I was partnered. In other partnerships, I struggled long and hard to try and keep the relationship alive because I really wanted it. These days, I seem to be with the right person, fingers crossed. My personal life values mean I eventually want to end up in a permanent relationship with someone for the long-term, but you may have different values than I do. I consider my failed relationships as "training wheels" for my ultimate partner.
Relationships take work and joint effort. It means sacrificing some of your autonomy and independence to be with somebody else. In return, you get regular physical touch, a companion who hopefully shares your values, and pooled resources. I personally can go very long stretches being alone, maybe seeing a friend once a week. I can do this for months and months. Being a hermit and an isolationist doesn't bother me. But then I end up in romantic relationships and there is something magical and delightful about them, so I just go with it. Plus I like having regular sex with the same person and I enjoy practicing loving connection, it makes life very sweet and meaningful for me.
Anyone you end up with is just going to reflect you back at yourself. They show you where you still have work to do and where you need to do more learning. The person you choose also reflects your virtues and gifts back at you too. Is this work mandatory? Do you really need this kind of reflection? No. Sometimes when I'm single I say no to dating offers because I just don't want to deal with it. Other times, I enjoy the complication.
It all depends on what you want... but just because you're single doesn't mean you're "failing" at life. Life is your creation, so create something that has meaning for you. Plus you're only 30, I would not exactly say you're over the hill lol. Your life is really just beginning. There is really no roadmap in life, nowhere you're "supposed to be," despite the societal narratives. You can be anywhere you want, or nowhere. You have the freedom to choose.
I sincerely hope that you find the person you are looking for (if you haven’t already) and then never have to be parted from them again. Long distance relationships are HARD 
your years of experience speak for itself. Very insightful, thanks for your input bro. 
thanks for sharing that.