I feel that a lot of today's tech culture seems to be a continuation of college culture, but that's only conjecture, on my part. I never went to college (high school dropout, with a GED, and a couple of years of tech school). I learned, very early on, that I needed to sing for my supper, and I feel that established a fairly good work ethic. Without a fancy sheepskin, absolutely no one ever cut me slack, or gave me much of a break because I had the right school tie. I've had to prove myself, on a continuous basis, for my entire adult life. It can get fairly exhausting.

My experience comes from working for highly structured corporations. The pay wasn't abysmal, but wasn't that great, either. The pressure could be pretty intense; especially at the last corporation (a famous Japanese optical company). I stayed there, for almost 27 years. The reasons I stayed, are many, but money sure wasn't one.

I saved enough to be able to retire, when the tech industry let me know that I was too old for them (at 55). I'm not rich, but happier than I ever thought I had a right to be. Also, I do more work, and am much more productive, than I ever was, as a wage slave.