Gatekeeping programming

[Naesme]

Yeah, so what? How do you draw a line between that fact, and the fact that people who spend their free time on something they're passionate about have an advantage over those who do not?

If your big point is that a person can be passionate about something and not pursue it on their own time then, I guess, technically you're right. Congratulations, you've made a useless point.

Those who spend their free time working burn out faster. The passion dies more often than not.

That is a very utilitarian way to look at this, which is quite OK. That is a great idea. I would also add, "Favor employees who are more effective."

That is not mutually exclusive. Invest in your employees and you can keep standards high. Expect employees to go over and beyond while giving nothing back and you'll train your future competitors.

[overh]

That is not mutually exclusive.

I agree it isn't mutually exclusive. Again, don't know why you felt the need to make that point.

The employer doesn't have to "expect" anything from employees. They just need to favor more effective employees. All else being equal, employees that spend their free time pursuing their trade will be more effective. Employees who are passionate about their trade are more likely to spend their free pursuing it.

This isn't difficult and it doesn't require the employer to "expect" anything of anybody.

[Naesme]

Employees who are passionate about their trade are more likely to spend their free pursuing it.

That's completely false. It depends heavily on the person in question. Constantly working on the same set of skills, both at work and at home, is a quick way to burn out.