1) Financial obligations — think it over carefully when you are about to legally commit to something requiring recurring payments (house, new car, even data plans). Be skeptical, sleep on it.

2) Marriage is a huge gamble with limited upside, if it works out. There’s nothing worse for limiting your options and mobility in the job market. More data is coming out these days indicating men are happier and healthier if they avoid marriage altogether; don’t assume you’re immune to those trends. Do take an hour or two to think over the legal implications of a marriage contract, well before people twist your arm to sign one. Short of a felony conviction that follows you for the rest of your life, marriage is the single most career limiting event that can befall you.

@ Roon: many studies have been focussing on the EVLN-principle (Exit, Voice, Loyalty, Neglect) in times of downsizing, restructuring and other organizational changes. The bottom line is: in case of high employability(*), employees tend to seek other jobs when confronted with job insecure times. High employable workers_will_find (as Davy would say) other jobs. The most strategic way in these changing times (and beware, it will only get worse) is investment in your own employability rate. And the only way to manage thàt in an effective way is… by liking your job and being internally motivated. Look at this, one beautiful round circle!

(*) simple: you have a good profile which allows you to do a broad range of jobs

When I was 17, I read a quote that went something like: “If you live each day as if it was your last, someday you’ll most certainly be right.” It made an impression on me, and since then, for the past 33 years, I have looked in the mirror every morning and asked myself: “If today were the last day of my life, would I want to do what I am about to do today?” And whenever the answer has been “No” for too many days in a row, I know I need to change something.

On learning from co-workers, you learn the best if you’re at a place where you respect everybody. Something about everyother guy you work with fascinates you. Be it the speed at which they take decisions, the depth they go analysing most difficult problems or the smart code they write.

As others said, a lot of passion into work originates from environment. Especially from freedom, challenges you face and feel of ownership for your components.

If we cling on immediate rewards ( say, money? ), we are going to miss something big out there. Yea, it is really cool to work with smart people! Sometimes, don’t you feel want to skip those people who are muddling through life?

Since there are dozens of posts on becoming a better developer, but no single post with all the advice you need, perhaps, you’ll find this short guide useful.
1. Learn the Skills You Need

Learn the programming basics

“The goal of this guide is to b…

Also, I see “code monkey” in the same light as “lab rat”, both terms can be used in a derogatory way, but I don’t mind the label (and neither do some lab rats I know), binary simian also comes to mind

So I like your list, but IMHO the first 3 items may only apply to developers with a few years experience.

Finally, I used to think what BB says is true, but ~8 years ago, after working 10 years in the industry (lasting on average 2 years per job before getting bored and restless), I finally found a good job with interesting work with good people that pays well. FWIW, I work in healthcare developing clinical applications, which is probably a reasonable industry to be in in this economic environment.