Pretty much.
Back in those days I wuz heavily involved in spaghetti code software development of real time microprocessor control of automotive engine control to meet EPA required emissions control.
Much shortage of processor cycles, registers, RAM, Code storage to get effective real time control accomplished....
Back then I was writing writing Z-80 assembly language code for
high-speed network performance analysis systems. That tracked
transactions occurring on the data links, and if response times
exceeded threshold(s) generate messages to the minicomputer
control system(s) that would display status and traffic
on a schematic display of the global networks.
Tracking how much time a given person or workstation was
logged into and using certain applications.
Was involved in network security, etc...
Fast-forward to the '90s and I was doing manufacturing
robotics software for semiconductor plasma etch / deposion
chambers. Writing the software for the robots and
computers that made silicon chips. Way cool. But the
company first moved to Florida and then was bought by a
huge Swiss conglomerate.
Then I took it 'on the road' as a consultant. Doing warehouse
inventory management systems, controlling
the robots skittering around the warehouse moving stuff,
load planning for truck and rail transport, etc.
Now I'm sitting around trying to find potential employers
who can actually understand my resume'.
Seems that talent, motivation and intelligence are less
in demand in the US these days than previously.
I HOPE that I'm just looking in the wrong places.
But perhaps it's my 'bad attitude' also...