I've been a software engineer (and recently manager) since 20+ years. I've been building products all this time, as an employee or contractor. I wonder what alternatives there are to this very normal way of working.
For example, there is consulting, teaching. I've also been always interested in focusing on very old tech and keeping it running.
I'm happy to read about anything surprising, inspiring in the field of software. Doesn't have to be exciting, just unusual, off the beaten path.