I’ve been noticing that folks in their 40s are quietly retiring out of traditional tech jobs and into something else. I didn't see it as it was first happening - it started with folks who had relocated during the remote work phase of COVID and never really “returned” to work in quite the same way. Then I saw others (like me) taking the stock options they’d accumulated and using those to launch second careers. And now I see a cohort that’s been living through years of “unprecedented” events...

I’d thought I might try something new this year - rather than end the year with a “best of” list, share my workplace Hero and Villain of 2025. Hero: Bank of America In October, Bank of America instituted a minimum hourly wage for U.S. employees of $25 per hour. Since 2017, starting salary for full-time U.S. employees at the bank will have gone up by more than $20,000. BofA also offers what I consider an exceptional benefits package, including 26 weeks of parental leave, a sabbatical program,...

In-person collaboration and creativity: the magic words behind so many hybrid and in-office work schedules. And as someone who works largely one-on-one, I’ll admit it sounds nice - until I remember that my office door closes. Most offices these days are open plan. Very industrial chic, very noisy, and no privacy to speak of. Historically, there have been few spaces for gathering in offices - other than conference rooms for meetings. Not really spaces brimming with creativity. Many companies...