We collectively can normalize being human in the tech space.

There was a time when I felt that I had to conform to a set of corporate norms for success. "Career limiting moves" were to be avoided at all costs. Hair was to be cut. Fake it till you make it reality distortions abounded.

Well, two burnouts later that seems messed up.

The current medicated generation has a better attitude and I've fully adopted it. Everyone is in therapy or going through a struggle of some kind. We can (at least among friends) be vulnerable.

I shared a lot about the cancer journey that my wife went through and the grief and loss associated with it. It was healthy and garnered respect and admiration. Some deep friendships that I cherish were built on that openness.

As entitled white dudes we can be more public in these things, and we should.