I was expecting something more actionable tbh, but it does make sense. It is a bit disappointing to read that systems programming jobs are basically out of reach unless you're willing to put in a bunch of free work.
That isn't possible for most people. They simply don't have the innate skills and drives that that person does. That person was always going to get a job because their passion shows through, and they do things.
It doesn't matter if it's open source or not. Having a code portfolio when you apply, even if it's a private portfolio, would always have shown their skills.
Suffice to say the bare minimum is to be good at what you do. :P
That is why the ones that have it get rewarded. Lots of good people don't know the next step, he is giving advice to those people.
Isn't that just life though?
Like do what you're passionate about because there's no point failing to succeed at something you're not that into.
People pay ungodly sums to go to school. And even in countries with "free" education there is an opportunity cost. Let's not even get started on those that want/need to contribute to academia either as a stepping stone or a career.
TANSTAAFL.
From the story I got the V was looking to “switch jobs”.
From personal experience, I once had to work with an open source library at work. I got very familiar with the inner workings to the point that it wouldn’t have been to hard for me to contribute, and I did have a few improvements in mind. I never did that though.
isn't most of open source eco system standing on free (often thankless) work? I am in no way insinuating they shouldn't be paid, just highlighting the current state