That's why I got out. I was sick and tired, literally and figuratively, of the long hours, lower pay, and at the end of it, all too often a pink slip to end the game.

Come up to Redmond. MS will treat you right, and we have plenty of openings. The release of SQL Server 2008 has been very sane.
 

As an ex-MGS'er I have to disagree on some of those points.

Better pay and benefits, sure thing. Better hours? Lip service more often than not. Job Security? good as long you stay on the right side of local empire building politics. Accountability in management? Don't make me laugh.

Steve B's obsession with Jack Welch, and 80% of the rewards going to 20% of the employees never did anything positive for the teams I was on, unless you count honing your backstabbing skills.
 

This is why I'm a private contractor. Pay for every hour I work, have several mid-sized companies throwing projects my way, work from home,have almost every weekend off and lots of time with the family.

Have to pay my own health insurance
and vacations (8 weeks a year) but it's well worth it. Having multiple customers means some stability in cash flow.

Office politics? Ha! I don't get involved. Pink slips? Have not seen on of those since I was at G.E.

MS does seem to have gotten some sanity into their newer products. I'm currently working on a little side-project with VS2008 and it's very pleasant indeed (LINQ is teh awesome).

Still..hat's off to you Mr Coyote and I lurk here 2-3 times a week and enjoy the updates. I will be buying a copy of Frayed Knights as your hard work should be rewarded.
 

Looks like you're posting again. Does this mean that the crunch is over?