[kodablah]

> Whatever you do, DO NOT QUIT

I disagree with this. Maybe do not spontaneously quit, but having worked at many places with this kind of toxic multi-level management pessimism/pressure, it doesn't get better, one just gets jaded or apathetic. Never appreciated. Your outlook is defeatist and comes across as giving middle mgmt excuses.

It's totally acceptable to find somewhere where you'll be happier, even earlier in your career, especially with the leverage devs have now in the employment market. There are a ton of places out there not like this.