I used to work as an engineer for the federal government, and flatter myself that I was at least as productive and dedicated as those in the private sector. However, after 6 years of seeing the incompetent, the drones, and the time-servers tolerated and even rewarded, I got out. I now work for myself and am much happier for it. I set my own hours, buy my own equipment and software, figure out how best to accomplish the job properly, and I don't have to carry the load of peers who can't handle the work. Best decision I ever made. It's certainly not for everyone (I have no dependents, so if I end up living in a refrigerator box behind the YMCA, I'm the only one who'll be affected.)
;-)