Well I’m already a few years into my plan B which became working for gov. This article assumes that government tech is static but it is changing rather quickly.

Well I’m already a few years into my plan B which became working for gov. This article assumes that government tech is static but it is changing rather quickly. I’m knocking on the door of 40 and regarded as one of the younger leads. My commute is a 6 minute walk home and the high quality projects sometimes get scheduled out for completion in between 3-6 months or even a year if it’s a big one. Medical care and family time for all devs is a huge priority for management. Lots of vacation time, amazing benefits, and employer matched savings (or pension if you go that route). I’ve worked for a startup before and for a big corp as well but feel more secure now. Also, there is a tech allowance fund for equipment for home use and if you want to take classes part time they pay for some of the tuition. They pay for training and events (room and board, food, transportation). I’ve nearly doubled my salary since I started. I also get to mentor recent grads at times one of whom just got a position with Mozilla. So there ya go- with all the negativity this topic invokes there CAN be a silver lining (just like silver hairs beginning to appear on my head). For the younger devs: whenever you get tired of the ‘culture fit’ shenanigans or feel like you are more playing a role like an actor than solving real problems you may find yourself in my shoes. Whenever you get tired of practically living with ‘the team’ knowing that your reward for good work is even more caffeine you may find yourself wanting to get off the tilt-a-whirl just like I did. That day may come where you actually want to have your own uninterrupted thoughts as you work— then it’s time for Plan B.