>> I’d genuinely take a pay cut to work in a high-functioning environment where workflows and systems are well orchestrated, rather than one where everything is

>> I’d genuinely take a pay cut to work in a high-functioning environment where workflows and systems are well orchestrated, rather than one where everything is an uphill slog due to arcane make-work rules. This is a very interesting take and I'm exactly the same way. In fact, I just gave notice last week at my current position so that I could pursue a position with a company that was leaner and where more of my time would be spent on relevant work versus meta work. Fortunately, the complete compensation packages, benefits, insurance, et al. at both places came out to about a wash. My current employer is more secure from an employment perspective but I'm willing to give that up in exchange for "staying in the game" technically and for seeing the fruits of my labor have a more direct impact in the marketplace.