I used to think that being a speed trap cop would suck. Occasionally you get to really help out - respond to an accident and save a life, catch a drunk driver, even help change a tire. Mostly though, you're ruining people's days. Every single day, the majority of folks with whom you have direct contact are worse off for it. I have great respect for those guys because they show up every day anyhow. Deep down they understand (or at last convince themselves) that they are keeping the roadways safe for everyone.

While reading the latest installment in the IE saga, I wondered what it's like to code on IE. You have to know that professional web developers curse your product with near unanimity. You have to know that your users are having their data and identities stolen. You have to know that your product exists not to provide value or innovation, but to prevent the ascendance of other companies that would do so. How on earth do you come to work each day when your "contribution" to society ruins the days of those who travel the information superhighway?

I'm a programmer and I love my job. Our customers voluntarily spend lots of money on our products, then call us to tell us how happy they are with them. I honestly don't know how MS manages to keep their team staffed.