Hey, these people look happy!

[I D Shukhov]

Unlike the pure death-march atmosphere where I work -- post 10% layoffs in the software engineering department.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qi-370lniaw   (In all likelihood a much tougher environment.  In the end everyone will get their priorities straight.)

[Rastus P Shagnasty]

Don't have any idea what it would be like to work someplace where people are happy.
It's un-imaginable.
Is it this lousy software business?
Maybe it's just me.
Are we all miserable bastards?

[Richardk]

Funny how I can relate to what you're saying. Once you're 'commoditized' there's no feeling of belonging, loyalty or feeling happy at work. It's a job; a means to an end and that's it. Companies made sure our position in the corporate ladder was very clear.

If I worked at a place that was that happy, I'd start wondering what's wrong with them. Kind of like the exceptional sales clerk who's too friendly and you start to wonder what do they really want?

[The Gorn]

I saw this video on the evening news a couple of weeks ago.

IMO, this group self selected itself. It is obviously a very good workplace.

Most nurses I have known are *not* happy with their career choice. Same complaints as SW engineers: commoditization, harsh hire and fire policies and lack of stability, etc.

I'm sure there is a small minority of great workplaces for software engineers where you'd find similar positive vibes and exuberance.

[I D Shukhov]

Yeah, I guess I can always fantasize about places like this .

In reality I can't believe there are many happy lab techs, cafeteria staff and custodians in this world.  Besides, they had a professional video producer/choreographer to get them whipped up.  They were probably just happy to get some relief from their everyday grim existence.

I work for a real big company and I think, overall, smaller companies, especially ones that didn't depend on contracts (a financial services company, a biotech company) were better places to work at.