I agree with you about jobs outside the FB type companies and outside the tech industry.
When it comes to the tech industry, especially the top companies, I wish I were wrong, but this is what I see: It's up or out. Top companies will pay someone in their mid-20s more to be a programmer than most people will ever see in their lives. They will not hire someone in their mid-30s for these positions. They will pay someone in their mid-30s even more to do higher level work, but you have to reach that level in your 20s or you are out. Laid off at the next recession, not able to get your next job, "managed out," whatever. At that point you can go from a higher tier company to a lower tier one, for instance, from Google to eBay, maybe become a manager or consultant, start your own business, or leave the industry.
I agree with you about jobs outside the FB type companies and outside the tech industry.
When it comes to the tech industry, especially the top companies, I wish I were wrong, but this is what I see: It's up or out. Top companies will pay someone in their mid-20s more to be a programmer than most people will ever see in their lives. They will not hire someone in their mid-30s for these positions. They will pay someone in their mid-30s even more to do higher level work, but you have to reach that level in your 20s or you are out. Laid off at the next recession, not able to get your next job, "managed out," whatever. At that point you can go from a higher tier company to a lower tier one, for instance, from Google to eBay, maybe become a manager or consultant, start your own business, or leave the industry.