Do you look forward to going to work? Want to improve your current job or need a change? Everyone should enjoy their work, because most of us dedicate 30+ years of our lives to it. However, many people leave their careers to chance. They go through the rituals of a job search and often accept a position either because it's the first offer they receive or because the benefits are attractive. There are no selection criteria or proper due diligence of a prospective company. The usual result is therefore an unhappy work experience and the desire to move on after a few years of tolerating the irritations.This book describes the realities of many aspects of the corporate world, with a focus on the IT industry. It examines the default structures of many companies and why that leads to problems. It highlights what to avoid when selecting an employer and what to do if you end up in an unhappy situation. Not all companies make these mistakes, so a little knowledgeable examination can make a massive difference. Even if a company is making mistakes, you can at least defend yourself against the implications during the job offer phase, when you have the most leverage.Many people expect the IT industry to be a beacon of corporate forward-thinking and are surprised (too late) when they discover how conservative, old-fashioned and dysfunctional many companies can be. Get a head start on your career choices.