Yes, my employer might lay me off or not treat me well. I don't understand why that means I shouldn't still try to get better at software engineering. Isn't that the whole point of the post, that software engineering is a type of craftsmanship intrinsically worthy of honing?

On your own projects, absolutely. At work you’re likely limited by Conway’s law or bureaucracy. So yes, you can expend large effort for no real material gain, or you can save that effort for your own projects.

I think you're absolutely right. I also think that trying to become a better person is an important part of living a full life. The work I put in during the hours I'm being paid are a part that life.

When I started my career I had the same perspective as the author of the blog , wanting to be the best , but after spending a decade in the industry I fully agree with the sentiment of being the most effective slave (time and choice are the greatest gifts I have ). What hurts me now is seeing new comers,seeing myself ! I am now a happy and content farmer :)