Not saying running a ferry is the same as the tech work the readers do, but please keep in mind that the way things are now you're the only one responsible for your career. Your employment might terminate tomorrow on a whim or via outsourcing or acquisition. Living life on the knife's edge is fun, but the excitement pales as "responsibilities of adulthood" accumulate along with age. There are advantages that go along with the disadvantages of collective action. There's lots of cheap bodies that can cut code.
EDIT: In the age of remote work, keep these related question in mind: does your company need you? Do they need you where you're currently located?