I am incredibly thankful that there is one universally accepted query language (SQL). (Nearly) everybody understands it, and it works (nearly) well with all relational databases. SQL implements 'write once, run anywhere' far, far more effectively than Java ever did. I cannot count the number of instances where either I've shared SQL code that I wrote or somebody sent me where you can just 'drop it in' (for the most part). And with few mods, it works on nearly any relational database. How cool is that? If you want to do more with SQL, some databases include a programming language in which SQL can be nested, thus giving you lots of power at the loss of compatibility. Shortcomings aside, I'll never complain about wanting another query language.

Brother, I feel your pain. I implore you to think about the types of interaction you enjoy - maybe programming isn't the right career path for you, regardless of who you work for. In my 20 years of programming, I became very advanced; kept pushing myself thinking that new tools/languages/paradigms might ignite some fire. Additionally, I worked for some great people as well as the typical 'asshole'. Nothing really made a difference.

At the end of the day, it was programming itself that I found tedious - at least, doing it on a daily basis. I loved programming as a teenager, writing all sorts of stuff for enjoyment; but when that turned into 'commercial' applications, it really took its toll on me. For many years I didn't realize why I was unhappy - it was only after changing jobs a couple of times where I figured out the problem.

These days I'm back in school as a writer. I love the creative aspect of it (maybe your programming is no longer creative, thus killing your joy). But aside from that, I realized that I needed more social interaction and have really stepped that up as well. It's all about putting in the effort to 'know thyself' (I hope this doesn't sound preachy, because I'm still a novice!). You might be surprised at what really makes a day go by enjoyably for you.

Remember: standard of living != quality of life.

Wishing you and anyone else who feels similarly all the best.

the wonderful Wizard of Oz. because because because because BECAUSE!!! Because of the wonderful things he does!

Not having JS loading makes all pages load incredibly fast. Use it like a turbo button. That combined with Ghostery and Better Privacy make for a pretty good browsing experience (and shows you what each page is attempting to do). If you are looking for perfection, there is nothing stopping you from writing your own browser. NoScript is the biggest reason I stick with FF. Love it!

As an employee, even if you get training/education and apply it, most of your efforts are still helping people 'above' you who could never do what you are currently doing. It's like doing 10 pushups, but your boss(es) get the benefit of 9 of them, and you only get the benefit of 1. So, if you improve and make them more money, usually the employee never gets a percentage of how much the company grows. You may get a little raise, but that's about it. Your boss(es) continue to make way more money, and you don't. I'm thinking that everyone should be self-employed. Anybody in charge of a large 'company' is really also only self-employed, and contracting with hundreds of others. No training necessary for those you contract with. If *they* want to train themselves, they will do - with the proper motivation - to get other contracts/business. I think we as a nation should start to think in other terms other than the 'employee' mindset. It's limiting in a great many ways.

I agree with most everything except the higher education part. I've worked for a university for 12 years, and the role of IT is changing. Schools are now beginning to outsource their IT depts, and, just like the private sector, are now looking at IT as an enabler only.

The powers that be (boards of regents, vice provosts, bean counters, etc.) which have power over the university's direction are feeling pressure to 'step it up' so that smaller, private schools don't beat us to the punch. It's difficult for universities to be mobile, but it can (and is) being done. Keeping up with tech is hard, and schools who don't keep up will also flail in the wind.

So, your statement is true for everyone, really - even the public sector.