> Since widely-publicized OSS work can be a prerequisite for top jobs, it often isn't really a "free choice."

Which top jobs require you to be a widely-publicized OSS author?

I've only ever heard this to be a plus (which I believe is fair), not a requirement.

It’s not a requirement at Red Hat, because anyone can be converted to the open source religion. This surprised me when I started - I thought I would need to be indoctrinated, but then it just became normal to see open source as the only way to work.

That said, RH hires key contributors all the time (as do many companies), so being the maintainer of a project is definitely a plus.

Is there really a shortage of tech jobs caused by open source projects?

I have no evidence at all, but I think open source projects create more jobs than it "destroyed" because it reduces the cost of doing businesses of tech startups at critical growth phases and makes them viable by allowing fewer employees to do more. Without open source, companies would employ more people per company, but have much fewer companies overall, IMO. Additionally, salaries would be much lower because skills wouldn't be easily transferable between jobs - hence lower competition for employees.

I've wondered this for a long time. Or if it had a depressing effect on wages. FOSS certainly helps with productivity. Though I believe it's very likely also depressing wages and reducing the volume of software jobs.

Lucky for you, top jobs hire by standard whiteboard quizzes.

You don't have any obligation to pursue a top job, nor it is necessary for your survival.