Tech’s Broken Promise

This morning started off like any other morning. I took my daughter to school, got home, and happened to open Instagram in the driveway before coming in. Opening a friend’s story, I came across a headline stating that many of the team members responsible for the design and development of ‘Marvel Rivals’ …. Yeah, that ‘Marvel Rivals’.

…. were laid off.

That game is sensational right now. How could this be?

I could say that surprises me, but honestly it doesn’t. After working “corporate” in the tech industry for almost 5 years now, this sort of thing doesn’t really phase me anymore.

I can’t speak too much for the games industry, however, I see this happening in software all the time. Company makes innovative new product — then lays off the entire team responsible for it. To me, it’s giving quit while you’re ahead, make your bag, and fck the end user.

Many of us got into coding because we liked solving problems with computers — or simply wanted to flex on our friends with a custom MySpace layout. Nerds like me were fascinated by tech heroes of their time — Steve Wozniak, Linus Torvalds, Steve Jobs, Bill Gates, Mark Zuckerberg, or Brendan Eich.

But that era is but a distant memory.

Now, we’ve got a slew of alpha bros: Zuck, Altman, Musk, among other wannabes and lookalikes, that treat technology as a VC cash grab instead of actually driving (or caring) about any sort of real innovation. AI is dope, but at it’s core is nothing more than a ridiculously overhyped predictive engine.

And the devs working on these projects are losing respect from the very industry that inspired them to become programmers. CEO’s want us to do more, “10X Development” — yet, we’re thanked for our output with an exit interview and a #OpenToWork badge on our LinkedIn profiles.

Why the hell would I feel motivated to innovate for an employer — go above and beyond — when I know that this is the likely outcome?

There needs to be a fundamental shift in tech. One that brings back the passionate energy to innovate and change the world for the better, instead of slaving away to the almighty dollar. We all still need to make money, but I think there’s a more fulfilling path to take than simply climbing the proverbial corporate ladder:

Your Personal Brand is more important than ever.

Designers, Devs, Producers — you are all creators. The only thing that separates you from the tech bros — other than some decent ethics — is an idea. The barrier to entry for a great product has never been lower.

I’m not saying quit your job if you’re still working — seriously, don’t do that. But instead of going above and beyond to line someone else’s pockets, focus on going above and beyond to build a brand and become a thought-leader with some personality & humanity.

Build a product or a service, document the process on social media content platforms, leverage the tips in past newsletters to build a community, and grow a brand around that product. There are so many ways to monetize your creativity these days even beyond your product.

I believe we are in the midst of a paradigm shift in how humans choose their tech. I see a huge opportunity for indie devs to change this industry for the better, and making a living while doing it.

I say it often, but authenticity and ingenuity will always be the real winners. You may not be the next billionaire (or maybe you will be), but you’ll be the proud & happy CEO working with purpose, instead of a cog in a machine.

Be the change you wish to see in the world.

Paps.

BTW — I help creatives just like you grow their brands with custom websites, products, and business technology consulting. If you or someone you know could benefit from my services, click here and let’s connect.