Where's the programmer happier: agency or corporation?

Question

I've been mulling this one for awhile. Where is a programmer more likely to be challenged, do great work, and feel fulfilled in what they do?

I used to think a good corporation offered the stability and environment to help a programmer hone his skills and have a sane workday. I still do think that to some extent. On the other hand, I've seen bright programmers getting relegated to unchallenging stuff.

At the same time, I'm seeing corporations continually shopping the cool, cutting edge stuff to outside agencies (iPhone, iPad, Android, etc.). The assumption is that the competency doesn't exist in house. On the other hand, I've seen agencies relegate programmers to dumb deadend projects because they're cash cows.

Where's an aggressive young programmer to point himself?

Answer 1

Agency or Corporation is the wrong way to look at it. If there is management involved, it can be mismanaged. The trick is finding the companies with good managers.

Answer 2

You can't really split it down the line like that...it really comes down to the nature of the company itself. Look at what they do and what they intend to do in the future, look at what their goals are. It will give you a better idea of where you would see yourself going and if it would be the right type of career path for you.