I started and ended my working life as the proverbial blue collar worker, mostly a labourer. Programming was my hobby and I loved it. I lived and breathed and dreamt programming.

I went pro for one reason and one reason only: money. Well, okay, there was some satisfaction in helping nice people solve interesting problems, something that is rare when working as a labourer.

I knew my days were numbered when an HR goon started using transparent misinterpretations of various motivational theories to lecture me on how money really didn’t matter that much to me. She was right in the sense that prefer I time at home to getting paid time-and-a-half for overtime, even when I’m clearly underpaid, but completely out to lunch when considering my desire for hobbies and travel.

Money may not be a very good motivator, but lack of money is one hell of a demotivator!