> I'm auditioning for a role as "senior programmer", just like an actor would. That's the reality, and if I'm going to get myself a job that pays ~$400,000/yr i

> I'm auditioning for a role as "senior programmer", just like an actor would. That's the reality, and if I'm going to get myself a job that pays ~$400,000/yr in total comp, I will jump through whatever hoops I need to. Your will power, mental flexibility and cognitive endurance -- should deserve nothing but praises. I am going to add an additional assumption here, is that throughout your work, you were able to impress people you worked for and with, in the same way. So you have built a network of 'admirers' so to speak, of your skills. With that, you should, evaluate if these types of capabilities deserve more, than what you will be getting. When you sign up to work for a company that does not particularly value your experience, your network -- but instead demands up-to-date / or needle-in-haystack interview skills -- you are trading reduced risk (of a salaried employee for a large corp), in exchange for reduced financial reward. Other venues your own startups, your own contracts, may be joining ad-hoc contracting gigs.