Yeah I was definitely right to quit, my career has been pretty great since then.

But I did get a lot out of the few years I worked there, even though a lot of it sucked. It was my first proper job and they’d basically let me work on anything I wanted to, even though I was incredibly green and was just figuring it all out as I went. I definitely fit a lot more experience and learning into those years than you’d reasonably expect a person to. I think a lot of my success today came from turning their incompetence into opportunities.

I be also had a job early in my career where I was basically allowed to work on anything that interests me and 20 years later I’m still relying on that experience.

Maybe this is something every junior should do - try a bit of everything and see what you like.

That's why I think a good consulting agency can be a great first place to work. Lots of projects, hopefully different technologies, perhaps international clients with travel. Then once you know what you like and specialize a bit in it, it's easier to step to some product company as a senior.

Plus, in my experience consulting companies are more focused in employee well-being as it's their only asset.

> There's a certain personality type that will never appreciate or reward hard work.

Now, how would someone figure out these personality types ahead of time? Any red flags to detect people or workplaces to avoid in a professional capacity?

Ask them flatout how they reward initiative and accomplishment. If they start fumbling, there's your answer. If they don't, ask them for a concrete example. If that's when they struggle, there's your answer.

1. "...Able to work under pressure and meet deadlines.."

PASS !

2. "I(boss) coded the first version..."

50% of the time it means:

Your solutions or design decision will never be "as good as his" and you will forever hear "I did it like this and that. It should be fast to implement xyz"

I think the problem ties largely in mental illness... Sociopathic behavior, psychopathic behavior are pretty much the norm in C level management.

There's a book called "Dangerous Personalities" which takes a dive into practical psychology for these sorts of people.