[coldcode]

Instead of quitting I retired this year after 40 years as a programmer. I was much in demand since I could do with fewer people and deliver things no one else could do, yet my team was taken advantage of repeatedly and given no thanks for anything. In the end it simply wasn't worth the long hours any more. I didn't work in a FAANG company but a huge non tech company that used a lot of tech to support the business. Now I make art using my programming experience and life is much more pleasant. But my former team (younger than I was) still suffers and likely each will move on soon as well.

Programming as a profession has always been a blend of amazing and fun, and stupid and sucky for 4 decades. Still better than lots of things you could have to do instead. I never got rich or anything, but still have enough for a decent life.

[hallway_monitor]

In my experience it's rare for a company whose core product is not technology to realize the ROI they're getting is completely worth is and to continue investing in tech and appreciate their tech staff.