It seems to me that many people dislike their software developer job not because they don't like programming but because the programming they get to do at work

It seems to me that many people dislike their software developer job not because they don't like programming but because the programming they get to do at work is not like the ideal world of an interesting hobby project where you alone decide scope, stack, deadline etc. Meetings can suck. Design by committee. Scope creap. Crunch time. Lack of respect. Constant distractions. All this sucks but is part of many jobs, many workplaces. Expecting work to feel like a hobby is admirable but sets you up for some disappointments. I see my job not as the programming part, but the part of making myself and my team experience the hobby project state as much as possible, against all odds. The job is the struggle. Edit: I realize I might come off as insensitive. Burnout is a real thing. However at most jobs that sweet hobby project feeling is basically unattainable. I try to manage my energy so that I have some left after work to do stuff purely for my own enjoyment. I still enjoy my office job more than a I would a similar job outside tech