Just can’t win

Honestly it is very tough. Small medium companies value talent more, if you can be in top 20% pick medium company where you can shine. Ideally you would have some unique skills and some experience out of university. Developing is still pretty okay job, IT support/administration is worse.

Big companies are good if you are average performer, as they are looking for cog in their machine. Interpersonal skills and licking boots will get you further than skills.

Avoid women in corporate environment, they will use you for your skills to do her job or to get ahead in promotions. There is no good scenario involving women.

Avoid game companies, they are nightmare to work for as people who work there are passionate and will be overworked and then thrown out.

Still at the end of the day, at age 45-50 you will be thrown out as being too expensive and replaced with next university grad. So eke out your unique niche or prepare for this eventuality before it happens. Age over 50 mostly sucks due to age discrimination and cheap student replacing you.