Most answers I see are rationalizations for the status quo, but really, **I don't think there is a good reason for this state of things**. Most programmers seem to believe *not having a life is part of the deal* and spoil it for the rest of us. Managers are good at screwing everybody around, unions are a joke, everybody says the economy sucks, but then there's always a need for programmers, and this should be exploited by the category.

Also I'm kinda of flustered no-one pointed out that a wonderful reason for asking for a part-time job, would be **"having a kid."**

As soon as a critical mass of people starts asking for part-time programming jobs, there will be plenty of offerings. So go on, and convince more people to do the same. This is the closest we get to a union battle.