> very time intensive interviews with very few compelling companies worth the effort You will probably think this is partonizing, but anyway: I don't really ge

> very time intensive interviews with very few compelling companies worth the effort You will probably think this is partonizing, but anyway: I don't really get how working for a non-IT company that hurts your body and soul is better than working at a non-hip IT company that only hurts your soul. I can guarantee you that you'll feel worse at "Starbucks, McDonalds, retail" than you have ever felt in your IT job. A vocational job or maybe construction would be more suitable in doing something for your well-being, but not the kind of customer facing jobs you describe. I dislike the interview circus, too, but there are lots of small worthwhile companies that don't require you to jump through hoops and waste your time with interview marathons.