In 20 years of doing development I can count with one hand the cases where promotions and salary increases went to the best performers. In most cases they went

In 20 years of doing development I can count with one hand the cases where promotions and salary increases went to the best performers. In most cases they went for those that befriended management. I worked my ass off for almost 20 years. But later than sooner I learnt. Now I coast. Work hard if you want, slack if you want too. The defining factor for your success is who you are "friends" with.