[dwc]

Perhaps I should have been more explicit than trying to imply with "interesting personal projects".

Too often IRL and in communities like this I come across people who are obviously wistful that the apparent "correct one-size-fits-all career path" means doing business stuff in Java, C#, or whatever.

If you realized your options and went mainstream then you aren't who I meant. I apologize if I didn't make that clear. I've also done mainstream business stuff, and with a good company it can be fulfilling work. I certainly don't mean to denigrate that choice or those who take it.