> In software overtime is just free time, and they'll squeeze you out like an orange and replace you with a new fresh eyed person when you can't go anymore.

Thankfully, in many European countries software development is under the same rules as any other job, and one is entitled to get either free time or money form those extra hours.

Granted not all companies play ball, but then one can make them play ball, if they feel like getting some external help from either unions (we have IT unions) or lawyers.