I agree on the joys of programming. But those joys aside I also believe there are side effects that we shrink from acknowledging. I often feel that we never stop working, that there's always something puzzling in our minds and even in the shower (or in fact, many times there) we are organizing code in our brains. Then we are usually egotistical, and always setting up expectations on ourselves higher and higher. In my case, for instance, I sometimes wonder if I'll ever be content with the stage (present or future) I'm at. Then I go back to solving the puzzle at hand and stop thinking about it.

The Economist (Sept. 4th, 99) said the following on work and happiness (our profession is mentioned in the last paragraph):

CLERGYMEN, it seems, enjoy the best of both worlds. As well as looking forward to the joys of heaven, they are living the good life on earth. Nearly three in four enjoy their jobs; among occupations in Britain, only medical secretaries express higher job satisfaction. That is the finding of a new study by Michael Rose of Bath University into the link between happiness and work.

Happy Larries are not confined to the church. Perhaps surprisingly, many menial workers, such as cleaners, petrol-pump attendants, receptionists and bar staff, are among the happiest occupations. So are barbers. This may explain why they have plenty to sing about.

But not all British workers whistle while they work. Although old forms of drudgery, such as assembly-line work, are on the wane, new kinds are springing up. Call-centres are the dark, Satanic mills of the 1990s: only one in five telephone operators likes her job.

Higher wages sometimes sweeten the pill for those in unpleasant jobs. Pharmacists, prison officers and tax experts dislike their jobs, but are happy with their pay and conditions. Conversely, roofers, carpenters and ambulance staff like their work but grumble about the money.

But another surprise is that acquiring better skills does not seem to lead to a happier working life. Perhaps because their expectations are higher, skilled workers are generally less satisfied than unskilled ones. Biologists, computer programmers and solicitors are particularly unhappy with their lot. And spare a thought for journalists too: only one in four enjoys his work.