I got lucky early on with my job. It was great, mostly because I liked the people I worked with. So I cannot relate to your experience. But in terms of trying t

I got lucky early on with my job. It was great, mostly because I liked the people I worked with. So I cannot relate to your experience. But in terms of trying to influence things (like effect major change), I never really tried to do that. I knew that my personality was not suited for it. I've seen people who tried and failed and I agree it can be discouraging. If I get another job I would look mainly at the people I would be working with and the general culture. The project, the stack, the mission, none of that is as important to me, a middle-aged swe.