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In Hollywood there are only a handful of studios. In sports, there are only a handful of pro teams. In software, there are too many companies for an agent to develop a relationship with or tout your services to in the same manner. And the best programmers don't need an agent.

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A programmer's skill in programming is unrelated to their ability to communicate said skill. So the programmer may or may end up better off paying an agent >=14% of their salary to try and increase their net income.

There are a handful of top studios, teams, etc. And in tech, there are a handful of top companies.

If your interest is acting, there are a great many local and regional venues, likewise there are outlets for athletes (including teaching and coaching), and other creatives.

As with software, there are people who lead pretty fulfilling, if not always hugely financially rewarding, lives without associating with the majors.

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