Early 40s. Worked hard at school (topped it, etc). Worked hard at grad school (also topped it summa cum laude, etc). Great career in last 20 years. Promo every other year (on avg). Last promo to 66 was last year so still got it. I am not money minded. Sure, I like fine things in life but I am not greedy. I pull 300k per year and i think thats fair. I still have burning passion for all things tech (working on a full stack soln for my new team). But I have 2 kids and I like to spend time with them before they fly the coup to college in a few years. So I have had this nagging feeling recently with the way things are that I cant survive like this. By that I mean my prospects as an engineer in this hyper competitive industry could come to an end anytime. One layoff and this hard worked balance could come crashing. Is this fair? More info: my point is why should tech be such a cutthroat field past a certain point? I mean why isnt experience valued as much as some other fields? Is it because it is not regulated as much as other fields like say medical field. Edit: since a few commented on my retirement-worthiness, I have a little over a 1M saved up not incl my home equity (i am sole bread earner). Not planning to retire for anpther 10 years at least.
Well thanks for the humble brag. I enjoyed reading about your accomplishments. Then I enjoyed your little day dream where you said “but feel sorry for me too”.
If you’re pulling that kind of money and you’ve been in the industry for so many years, then you should have a big backbone. If at this point a layoff scares you, then what actually scares you is the way you’re managing your money. Go check that and get it in order so that you have peace of mind.
midlife crisis...
This is why most people your age have chosen the management track by now. It’s more stable than real work and you get to cut out early every day.
You always want to have something to show for how long you’ve been in the game. Not just a degree, or growing family, or gray hairs, I mean financially. If I couldn’t have a paid off house and afford to save at least half my income after 20 years of working, I’d feel like I missed the message at some point earlier on. The tenacity that got you where you are now is what it takes to save you a seat at that desk. Once the urge to compete is gone, and previously welcome challenges turn into potential threats, that’s when it’s time to weigh your options. As much as people talk about Microsoft being a country club, I’m sure all departments are not like that.
You nailed my thoughts exactly. Before my current move to a new team within MS, I was highly sought after by both my prev team and my current team. I had VPs on both sides wooing me. And i am pretty happy with my contributions to the new team so far and so is my current mgr. I have been voluntarily burning the midnight candle after so many years because the new opportunities are super exciting to me. Not humble bragging like a poster said at all, it is what it is.
It sounds like you’ve worked hard for what you have and where you’re at. Definitely not a humble brag. Are you a SWE? Principal is the next rung on the ladder for me, my situation is sort of unique as engineer is basically a middleware application consulting engineer for our call processing platforms (Sonus, SBC, CS2K, the engine tier and how each piece queries the toll free number databases and adjacent systems.
If you’re a lady, keep at it. You serve as a role model for young women. If you’re a guy, take some time off to be with your kids. Let your wife provide for the family. You took your turn. She has more career opportunities than you now.
Regardless of whether you are woman or guy, your story may not find a LOT of sympathizers... let alone relate to it. Besides a few, most of the folks are still busy chasing what you got. Not your fault, just the nature of us humans and the struggles of life all go through. Regarding your question: There is no magic wand to fairness in life. It has different meaning for different people, at different stages. What ever episode it turns in, STAY HUMBLE.
That’s how it is with tech. But with layoff, you can look for other roles in not so high flying companies. Things might not be as exciting and money might be less but you will get to spend quality time with your family and build memories. I am in my 40 too and making very good money at the moment. However, I feel like I have an FU money at this point and can walk out if it comes at a price of sacrificing family time. There are a lot of companies that pay well and not as cut throat/wlb. I am no longer at Adobe but I plan to get back to Adobe or similar companies down the road for wlb.
My hope was to keep doing what I do (which I love to btw) for as long as I can. And then switch to something lighter weight even if it pays less. As long as the house is paid off and the kid have flown the coup.
My spouse and I are in our early 40. Spent the last few years raising our young family including traveling the world twice a year. Things to ponder is in the old age, will you cherish the memory of teaching your son/daughter how to swim in says...on the beach with their delight and laughters or you burning the midnight oil and being sought after by 2 VPs? Which one do you think will enrich your soul?
You are nearing retirement so this is normal. Consider yourself lucky that you worked so hard early on and get to retire so early and switch careers entirely if you choose.
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