> Programmers are lucky in that they can take code they've written, and say "see, here's my proof that I can do the job"

Most of the code I write ss closed source and owned by my employer. I never get to show off the cool things I've done. As for doing side projects to show potential employers, I have very little 'personal' time on any given day between work and family life. I no longer code for fun. Now I do chores, read, and maybe sleep a little.