[constantcrying]

The median software developer in France (similar for e.g. Germany) makes around 50k. Software development as a path to personal wealth does not exist outside the US.

The proposition by these companies for new hires is: "Put in a lot of work, longer hours and solve difficult problems, so that (after taxes) you can earn 2k more a year than someone with a far more relaxed job".

The only people you are going to find are the very few ones intrinsically motivated to forego their social life in favor of your job offer and new graduates who don't know any better and will burn out and resent you and possibly the entire industry for the rest of their lives.

I will not put in exceptional effort, unless you are offering me something exceptional in return. And no, the "opportunity" to work hard on some problem does not count.

Basically all of Europe has this problem, companies are looking for people who put in exceptional work for average salaries. The problem isn't that these people don't exist or that you couldn't find them. The problem is that everyone who fits your role knows what kind of effort it involves and knows that their time will never be adequately rewarded.