Developer Michael Church writes about the difficulties a friend of his has at getting a senior development job:
This whole issue is about more than what one knows and doesn’t know about technology. As programmers, we’re used to picking up new skills. It’s something we’re good at (even if penny-shaving businessmen hate the idea of training us). This is all about social status, and why status is so fucking important when one is playing the work game– far more important than being loyal or competent or dedicated.
Low and high status aren’t about being liked or disliked. Some people are liked but have low status, and some people are disliked but retain high status. In general, it’s more useful and important to have high status at work than to be well-liked. It’s obviously best to have both, but well-liked low-status people get crap projects and never advance. Disliked high-status people, at worst, get severance.
Michael’s main argument is that the overwhelming majority of those who remain software engineers – even those that are highly talented – can never can crack out of a low social status. Very interesting and depressing nonetheless.