I've been programming for over 30 years, and began work in finance in 1995. As you note, the money is very good. But I found that it became soul-deadening. La

I've been programming for over 30 years, and began work in finance in 1995. As you note, the money is very good. But I found that it became soul-deadening. Last year I quit my job, took five months off, then started work as a programmer with a public service agency. Despite a 30% pay cut, I'm happy now. Performing "socially useful" work turns out to be important to me.