From Silicon Valley to the Hills: A Journey of Change and Reflection
My journey began in 1973 with my enlistment in the USAF, starting in San Antonio, TX. This marked the beginning of a series of military stints in various locations across the globe, each contributing to my understanding of the world and my personal values. My service took me through Biloxi, MS, Limestone, ME, and eventually to Grand Falls in New Brunswick, and Nakhon Phanom, Thailand. My final duty station in the Air Force was Almaden AFS, located in California.
The Transition to Civilian Life
After my time in the Air Force, I transitioned to college, first in South Lake Tahoe, California, where I took advantage of the beautiful alpine surroundings. Skiing and decompression were highlights during this phase. Following a stint in Brussels, Belgium, after the fall of Atari, I settled in for a brief period at Lake Hopatcong in New Jersey, then moved to Mt. Olive, NJ, and California once again. My journey took me to Woodland, Citrus Heights, Orangevale, and finally, I found myself back in San Jose.
Currently, I reside in the hills southeast of San Jose, where I aspire to find peace and tranquility. Among the numerous factors that influenced these moves, working and eventually transitioning to entrepreneurship played a significant role. While I worked for IT corporations, the toxic work environment and the less-than-competent management often demotivated employees, often mistreating software engineers as mere "code monkeys" akin to janitors.
The Toxic Work Environment and Its Impact
Working in a series of IT corporations exposed me to environments that were not glamorous as portrayed in the media. The glamorous image of big tech companies, often associated with Google and Microsoft, is often a mirage. Many professionals work in mediocre environments, and the management can often be less than competent. If you're looking for an experience similar to Dante's Inferno, consider a typical IT corporation.
Personal Reflections and Lessons Learned
Every location I lived in was interesting, each with unique beauty that resonated differently as I reached my 30s. Moving from one place to another was relatively easy, and finding work was not too difficult. Each move brought its own set of experiences, and every picture tells a story. Whether it be a bear on the garage roof or the creek running through the ranch, each image captures a moment in my journey.
The Transition to Entrepreneurship
The move from working in IT corporations to becoming a contractor and an entrepreneur was a significant change. The IT industry can be toxic, and the lack of competent management in many companies can lead to a demotivating environment. Transitioning to entrepreneurship provided a new perspective, one where I could control my own destiny and work with people who value collaboration and creativity.
Lessons Learned
The experiences I have had, both positive and negative, have shaped who I am today. Each move has its own story and lessons. Embrace the journey, and never say never. I often quote the movie title 'J’amais plus j’amais' and 'Et nolte carborundum est,' which together mean 'Never say never' and 'Do not let them grind you down.'
A Recap
In summary, my journey from Silicon Valley to the hills southeast of San Jose has been filled with personal growth, professional challenges, and a newfound appreciation for simpler things in life. Whether it was the mountains surrounding South Lake Tahoe or the serene environment of my current home, each place has left its mark on me. The lessons learned from these experiences have shaped my approach to work and life, and I continue to strive for a calm and peaceful existence.