1) I agree, but from my perspective it has always been a very limited profession. But IMHO it is also a very admired job. 2) I agree, startup cost in this fie

1) I agree, but from my perspective it has always been a very limited profession. But IMHO it is also a very admired job. 2) I agree, startup cost in this field is extremely high, with a lot of competitors. 3) Although software has a lot of community it is also very fractured. Depending on what you specialize in you might find a couple of groups in your area or none. Of course you will find some online groups regardless. 4) Yes the grass is always greener. I am sure that there are 1000 SWE who received great bonuses, but there are a million who got zip. In conclusion, if your dream is to start your own company, then yes, switch. If your dream is to make money, and you are a super excellent SWE, and / or an average SPU designer, then switch. A large part of it comes down to what brings you pleasure. We in the IT industry have an advantage over most. We are paid well and love our jobs. Well some of us love the work. Many people have one and not the other. I have known people who worked in waste processing plants who worked in their profession (Biology) for very poor pay. They all said 'you need to get a degree that pays well'. I have had as many friends in IT who loved the pay but absolutely hated the work. Those that hated the work were rarely any good. Working at a job you hate because of the money is refered to as the 'Golden hand cuffs'