> Many companies were openly hostile and insulting; right out of the starting gate, and I found that I inevitably ran into at least one person, in subsequent interviews, that started the bullying.

I'm not particularly old (30s) and I am noticing that maybe not the people, but the workplaces are becoming hostile and condescending. Perhaps software divas have earned us the kickback, but it's been enlightening in that it's clear I need to make sure my life and my contentment outside of work is what I'm building up, as that will come with me no matter what I'm doing.

Things that won't be affected if I quit tomorrow include: My fitness achievements, skills on the bike, progress into learning game development, progress into teaching myself a new spoken language, personal relationships, cooking skills...

You get the picture. If you lay it all on the line for work, then you have everything to lose at every job.