I have moved to lesser big companies but still found the talent lacking and people make lives hard for others. Especially in the Bay area. I just want to be mission driven and code, but most places the product, founder or mission and hence the people seem flawed without good incentives. Most simply chase promo and managers often take advantage of this to create a bad environment. Ignoring this behavior for long has led me to burnout with no recognition for doing good work.

At this point, I'm willing to take a paycut for more fulfilling place and a non-profit/OSS seem good places as only people aligned with mission would be likely working there. OSS has more odds of being higher quality and technical. But I have no idea how to break in.