"I know you're not being serious about the bank thing, but I just want to say, if you're a programmer and you love what you do, and you're good enough to be choosy, don't work for anyone (especially banks!) whose main job is not software. "
I'd disagree with that. Some of the most entertaining bits of work I've ever done were for companies whose main job wasn't software.
The problem isn't companies who aren't focussed on software. The problem is companies that don't value the great things that software-oriented folk can produce. Unfortunately there are plenty of the latter in the software-focused end of the spectrum too.
Don't work anywhere that treats you badly. Sure. Don't work anywhere that doesn't value you. Sure. Don't work anywhere you don't enjoy yourself. Sure.
But I know some folk who are having excellent fun at banks. Solving stupidly hard problems that fascinate 'em, fostered by great management, and being compensated very well for their trouble.. I know others who have worked at large tech focussed companies that have had bloody awful stories of management idiocy. Hell — I've got more than enough horror stories from smaller tech-focused organisations.
Yes, there are exceptions, and the converse doesn't hold. But it works as a simplification when you're hunting for a job. You're right that the underlying problem is finding work where you're valued and, I'll add, where you work with great people. If pointy haired boss did the hiring, your coworkers are likely going to be inept to add to your misery.
I'd disagree with that. Some of the most entertaining bits of work I've ever done were for companies whose main job wasn't software.
The problem isn't companies who aren't focussed on software. The problem is companies that don't value the great things that software-oriented folk can produce. Unfortunately there are plenty of the latter in the software-focused end of the spectrum too.
Don't work anywhere that treats you badly. Sure. Don't work anywhere that doesn't value you. Sure. Don't work anywhere you don't enjoy yourself. Sure.
But I know some folk who are having excellent fun at banks. Solving stupidly hard problems that fascinate 'em, fostered by great management, and being compensated very well for their trouble.. I know others who have worked at large tech focussed companies that have had bloody awful stories of management idiocy. Hell — I've got more than enough horror stories from smaller tech-focused organisations.