> My empoyer doesn't have a lot of power over me. I'm a programmer not a coal miner.

Respectfully - were you a programmer during the last recession? I only ask because this power dynamic you imply is inherent in being a programmer can change (and has changed) in a matter of weeks and you'll find the entire industry is not hiring, not seeking consultants, and not looking to buy your *aaS product.

There were a lot of desperate programmers during the great recession (and before that, the dotcom bust)

edit: removed age from what should have been a more general question.