I struggled to find somewhere as interested in doing a thoroughly decent job of developing quality software that I ended up contracting (year 15 now). The irony was that my first contract was with a company that made me more valued than at any of my employers (and I was valued lower than their permanent staff - a good thing as that is how it is supposed to be). I guess I am a bit of an evangelist at times but sometimes have to be pragmatic.

On the other hand, I see great developers forced to work in ways they know will cause more problems by more ambitious colleagues who have clawed their way into management (often without skill and training). Even worse, these managers know they need the "great developers" where they are and block any movement or internal opportunities. It is a shame and it keeps these people where they are but as soon as they no longer think it is worth it I tend to find that nothing will stop them leaving.