> ... forcing me to work 8 hours no matter what. This is why I am no longer a software engineer.
The problem wasn't that you were a software engineer. The problem was the companies you were working for.
I usually find this distinguished by whether a company is a software company or a non-software company that requires software by extension (i.e. IT/Big Co).
Stop working for IT companies and go work for a software company. You'll get exactly what you are asking for -- peace and quiet, flexibility, and giving up part of your salary.
> I usually find this distinguished by whether a company is a software company or a non-software company that requires software by extension (i.e. IT/Big Co).
It also happens at any company that bills government contracts, because they have to submit time cards with actual hours worked in order to get paid. You also need to keep a daily timecard.
The problem wasn't that you were a software engineer. The problem was the companies you were working for.
I usually find this distinguished by whether a company is a software company or a non-software company that requires software by extension (i.e. IT/Big Co).
Stop working for IT companies and go work for a software company. You'll get exactly what you are asking for -- peace and quiet, flexibility, and giving up part of your salary.