I've no idea what you're talking about and I suspect other people you meet and interact with (at least online) will feel the same way. I know this might sound harsh, but that's my feedback in the event you're at all interested in communicating more effectively online.

This is not an industry for the emotionally sensitive, sanctimonious, or petulant.

Must agree with the other commenter: It's quite hard to understand what you're trying to say.

Also, comments like this are coming across as arrogant. You appear to have jumped to the conclusion that xwowsersx has little experience in the industry and thus come across as patronizing.

As to your original comment: As a SW engineer, I've never had to work more than 40 hours a week, have no student loan debt, and make a lot more than a plumber. If you find yourself forced to work a lot more, you likely have made poor career choices (not by picking the SW industry, but by picking the wrong sub-discipline and/or company). As such, the fact that you're doling out advice as if you know a lot looks even worse.

How many companies have you worked for in the past 30 years?

Although ones history is fairly meaningless when it comes to general opinions. Most professions don't have a sub 3 year Churn rate with fortune 500 companies.

We can have differing opinions, and from each perspective believe we are correct.

Have a gloriously wonderful day =)

Yeah. In fact, I have ~15 years of experience (my current role is Director of Engineering). I note this just to point out how off Joel is. I offered my feedback on the off chance it might be well received, but it seems there's more going on with him. I feel that sympathy is the only correct response at this point.