I can't agree with every point you've made more. When I first started in the sector I was confronted with this 'IT is a utility' mindset from 'the business'.

I can't agree with every point you've made more. When I first started in the sector I was confronted with this 'IT is a utility' mindset from 'the business'. It was demoralising. Luckily, a new CEO came in following an acquisition and the first thing he said in a company-wide conference was how the company needed to value and respect IT more (as we knew more about the company and the systems than anyone else, he said). Overnight, almost everyone in the department came to love their job. Saying that, three years later and people are starting to worry about their prospects (and rightly so, it seems). I'm similarly interested in pursuing things on the side (as a serious project rather than a means to 'get out'). If you fancy it, reach out (email in profile). As for your blog -- the first post is great, keep it up.