Many companies use antiquated hiring processes that do not align with market forces. Even though developers are in high demand, many candidates are being forced to do unpaid 2-week coding challenges or are turned away because they do not look good on paper.

Developers and companies both need a streamlined hiring process.

If you have a problem with authority or like doing a variety of things with your time.

Owning a company can be stressful at times, but it can prevent you from feeling existentially purposeless.

The hiring process of a cook is effective and fair. They set up a station for you to work for the restaurant for a day, feed you afterward, and give you an offer if they were satisfied with your work.

Volunteer to teach programming to high school students, then applying to software jobs after that.

If you see an opportunity and:
• You don't want to do what you're doing for the rest of your life
• You want to be the best at what you do
• You want to be passionate about what you do

Become familiar with the industry through experience, potentially through moonlighting.
Try to recognize patterns and the "bad parts."