HN user
I can see why since I am searching for jobs:
1. Juniors are no hired for C++ type roles. Employers want someone with 5+ years of experience, because just knowing the syntax is not enough. And training on the job is also not offered.
2. It pays shit in comparison.
3. Job positions are relatively scarce.
My actual niche is numerics (so writing numerical libraries and simulations), btw. I was really dismayed to see how shit the pay is.
I work in academia doing ML research, and from an ethical standpoint I think it is one of the best places to be. Still there are ethical issues to consider. For me, thankfully I do not do any controversial research. I sometimes wonder, if I am wasting public money and burning energy pursuing certain research directions, but that is just about it.
On a more personal level, I sometimes wonder if I am wasting away my potential to earn $$$ by pursuing a career in academia. Currently I have no family, but in the future, if I do, then I would feel an obligation to provide for them, in all ways, including financially.
Question: why does the market fail so miserably in this respect?
Why are all consumer grade electronics running closed sourced questionable code that you cannot alter? I need a laptop, a table and a phone. I have been looking for over a year and I cannot find anything I like.
0. I don't want arbitrary software running on my personal devices, fullstop.
1. I want to be able to run my preferred free software.
2. I want my preferred free software to be able to access all installed hardware and use it to its full capabilities.
3. I don't want to pay a $1000 premium to be able to do this.
RMS was right back then, but the problem has recently become much more serious. Back then it was only about laptops. Now I have to worry about my fridge spying on me.