I abhorred being a developer because it’s like being a factory worker. I then created my company, have 2-3 people under me, I’m 70% coding and customers are throwing money at us. I’m still a developer, but super happy through work. I believe the difference is leeway in how I can organize my schedule, and the 30% variety which allows me to speak to humans instead of computers.

I was always denied promotions, I’m from the generation where cool workplaces promoted only women, so it was very unfair. I wanted to be on the path to become PO. And given how fast the startup I created reached $1m ARR, I confirm I’m satisfyingly able to PO and the lost promotions were just plain old gender preferences of workplaces.

I now love my work. Speaking to humans (and not through chat) was my need, I’ve told it to every employer. So yes, find what you need and move heaven and earth until you get it, may the force be with you.