[chairs]

Echoing the sentiments above it's a bitter pill to swallow recognising that there are hoops to jump through in order to play the game. We all have had to learn this one way or another.

Don't let this stop your pet projects and try to realise you have multiple paths you're fulfilling at the same time. Bills need paying. You're beginning (and will be advancing) in your job and future prospects. Your love of software needs nurturing so you don't become jaded by a 9-5.

Play the game. Get where you need to be. Don't close doors.