Well, a lot's changed since 2004. A promising entry-level position in finance is probably a little harder to find now, and technology-related labor markets are making a rebound.
I haven't regretted it. In addition to paying the bills, I continuously find that analyzing a problem and composing an appropriate solution provides an outlet for my creative side. I enjoy what I do for a living!
After 6 years in the industry, I've come a long way but there's still so much more to learn. I've recently decided to take my studies to the next level. Throughout the next year, I plan to accelerate my learning by exploring a variety of design patterns and concepts as well as dedicating a significant amount of time to technical reading. If I find something interesting, I'll share it here.
Thanks for reading.