I might be a bit ashamed ... it's a big shock to find yourself on the path to nowhere when you feel you have so much more potential, hence the article.
I'm definitely on the lookout for something I might like more.
Don't feel like you have to do crazy low level stuff to be a good programmer. It's a big, diverse field and you can leave your mark wherever you want, and still have it be valued by others. Work on what gets you excited and makes you want to work hard, whether that's websites in PHP or a math library in assembly. You'll do your best work that way. And if you're good at your niche, you'll probably be able to find work doing what you love.