Nice description of software development and some of the dilemmas we face. What I like most about it is that it describes the journey and how it ends in eventual frustration. I agree that the answer is to understand the cycle and be aware of it, so that you can help manage it. In the end, like any profession, it’s best to first of all work at a company where you trust and respect the people in charge. If you have that you can try to work with them to manage the cycle and try to be patient when you’re in the frustrating part of the cycle.