The Trader Joe’s dream is so real. Mine is being a barista again, like I was between college semesters. The thing that being in tech made non-negotiable for me though: working remotely.
Great read, and I have a feeling it captures the thoughts of many. We’re SO. TIRED.
There are so many black-pilled people out there it feels a bit like swimming against the tide to say this, but I think the next 40 years are going to be amazing. If we’re careful to avoid the thrashing tail of the dying dinosaur.
I think one aspect that's interesting about the tech space is that companies and cities fully expect workers to spin off their own companies. So whether burnout pushes you away or a shiny new investor, the company will still claim it as a "victory." On some level, if tech is pushing people not to make the next unicorn, but to make something much more meaningful... I'm happy about it.
Thanks for sharing this, Max! I think you are spot on about so many people wanting to feel more connected to their community.
A few years back, I left tech to become a gardener. Lately, I've been interested in returning. Initially, I felt confused about my interest in returning, but I've started to think about careers as less linear and more cyclical because of my time as a gardener: Plants bloom in specific seasons that best meet their needs. Forests require periods of rest, shedding, and even controlled burns to regenerate. Maybe my time away was just a controlled burn! 😂
Another idea I've found helpful recently is: "What job do you want your job to do?"
Wow, I felt this so deeply as someone who has spent the last 10 years working in tech. Thanks for writing this. The industry just feels so soulless now, and the drive to AI makes it even worse. Every company just feels like the same thing, with a different logo.
For what it's worth, I found my way out. I'm in art school now, hoping to change careers and become an interior designer, but man, are those golden handcuffs hard to break! Especially when I'd love to own a home and have a family one day.
Felt this deeply as someone who worked in tech for 10+ years. It use to be a lot more fun, but became draining. Too many rules and red tape. Decisions for simple things took forever. Not only that, hanging out with co-workers also became manufactured and unbearable. Thanks for sharing.
Thank you for being so open about this; I think more of us need to be. My salary in tech was nice, but it was soul-draining work and I didn’t like knowing what I was a part of. I’m much happier now doing something that earns less but feeds the parts of me that matter.
True confession: I liked this post before reading past the headline. BUT now I love it even more—one of the most thoughtful pieces I've read on the topic, and your writing is GORGE.
This part: "At its best, tech is a tool. But we were sold it as a religion. A belief system. A way of life. “Move fast and break things” wasn’t just a motto; it was an identity. And now we’re all sitting here among the broken pieces, wondering what, exactly, got better."
I feel this so, so deeply, and know others do, too. You're not alone in navigating these questions—but really appreciate you asking them. 🫶
I really love this. And per our back-and-forth on Notes, I have definitely been in the same boat. Tech just feels different and it’s hard to explain unless you’ve been there. Did you ever read the book Maybe You Should Talk to Someone? There is a “client” who works at Trader Joe’s, and your dream made me think of it. A good read!
“What you know you can't explain, but you feel it. You've felt it change, that there's something wrong with working in tech post-2020. You don't know what it is, but it's there, like a splinter in your mind, driving you mad.” ~ Morpheus
The Trader Joe’s dream is so real. Mine is being a barista again, like I was between college semesters. The thing that being in tech made non-negotiable for me though: working remotely.
Great read, and I have a feeling it captures the thoughts of many. We’re SO. TIRED.
love that! Hope that you get to follow your dream and appreciate you saying that!
So true! The tech space has completely changed post pandemic and it's left so many out here to scramble.
Yup! We're gonna find something much better though, I know it.
There are so many black-pilled people out there it feels a bit like swimming against the tide to say this, but I think the next 40 years are going to be amazing. If we’re careful to avoid the thrashing tail of the dying dinosaur.
One can hope
We are and we will!
I think one aspect that's interesting about the tech space is that companies and cities fully expect workers to spin off their own companies. So whether burnout pushes you away or a shiny new investor, the company will still claim it as a "victory." On some level, if tech is pushing people not to make the next unicorn, but to make something much more meaningful... I'm happy about it.
Agreed, I am hopeful for what that next thing is.
I look forward to the day where you can check to see for me if there is any more cookie butter ice cream in the back.
Let’s go!!
Thanks for sharing this, Max! I think you are spot on about so many people wanting to feel more connected to their community.
A few years back, I left tech to become a gardener. Lately, I've been interested in returning. Initially, I felt confused about my interest in returning, but I've started to think about careers as less linear and more cyclical because of my time as a gardener: Plants bloom in specific seasons that best meet their needs. Forests require periods of rest, shedding, and even controlled burns to regenerate. Maybe my time away was just a controlled burn! 😂
Another idea I've found helpful recently is: "What job do you want your job to do?"
thank you for sharing your story and love your analogy of career paths too!
Wow, I felt this so deeply as someone who has spent the last 10 years working in tech. Thanks for writing this. The industry just feels so soulless now, and the drive to AI makes it even worse. Every company just feels like the same thing, with a different logo.
For what it's worth, I found my way out. I'm in art school now, hoping to change careers and become an interior designer, but man, are those golden handcuffs hard to break! Especially when I'd love to own a home and have a family one day.
Appreciate you reading and sharing your story!! Glad you broke free, more inspiration for me to follow 🙏🏼
I considered leaving the tech ecosystem but then I saw the salaries for jobs in the creative industry and it’s a hard no
yeah the golden handcuffs are real.
It's like you reach into my soul and extracted both shared experience and shared wisdom.
There are a thousand reasons why this resonated with me. But in the interest of time, I will just say 'thank you.' 🙏🏾✨
So grateful for you and appreciate you reading
Felt this deeply as someone who worked in tech for 10+ years. It use to be a lot more fun, but became draining. Too many rules and red tape. Decisions for simple things took forever. Not only that, hanging out with co-workers also became manufactured and unbearable. Thanks for sharing.
Glad it resonated! Hope you were able to escape!
Thank you for being so open about this; I think more of us need to be. My salary in tech was nice, but it was soul-draining work and I didn’t like knowing what I was a part of. I’m much happier now doing something that earns less but feeds the parts of me that matter.
Thank you for sharing your story too! This is motivating
True confession: I liked this post before reading past the headline. BUT now I love it even more—one of the most thoughtful pieces I've read on the topic, and your writing is GORGE.
This part: "At its best, tech is a tool. But we were sold it as a religion. A belief system. A way of life. “Move fast and break things” wasn’t just a motto; it was an identity. And now we’re all sitting here among the broken pieces, wondering what, exactly, got better."
I feel this so, so deeply, and know others do, too. You're not alone in navigating these questions—but really appreciate you asking them. 🫶
Wow this means so much coming from you!! Really glad it resonated :)
Deeply!!! Tysm for this. (And expect many notifications from me as I shout this from the rooftops to my network haha)
I really love this. And per our back-and-forth on Notes, I have definitely been in the same boat. Tech just feels different and it’s hard to explain unless you’ve been there. Did you ever read the book Maybe You Should Talk to Someone? There is a “client” who works at Trader Joe’s, and your dream made me think of it. A good read!
ohhh I haven't read this but thank you for the rec!! Appreciate you!
“What you know you can't explain, but you feel it. You've felt it change, that there's something wrong with working in tech post-2020. You don't know what it is, but it's there, like a splinter in your mind, driving you mad.” ~ Morpheus
bingo!