Your theory actually matches my experience. I was at a hedge fund for 2.5 years doing tech. I was always a cost center. People there just didn't really appre

Your theory actually matches my experience. I was at a hedge fund for 2.5 years doing tech. I was always a cost center. People there just didn't really appreciate you even though tech is so essential to what they do. We had more servers than people. Then I left and went to a software company and count this as one of the best decision I've ever made. Tech people in finance are so miserable, partly because people in finance are miserable and they pass on their misery to you if you're in a supporting role. Why do people go into finance? A lot of them do it purely for the money. I won't pass any judgment on that motive but in my experience you often end up fighting your own passions until you're exhausted. Doing software, especially now, is a good combination of both. Maybe I would have made more money in finance but I'm OK giving up some cash to satisfy my other passions and needs. After all, isn't that the purpose of money in the first place?