Welcome back to Practical Tips, which may or may not get renamed. Today I’m sending a brief personal/company update, and tomorrow I’ll be back with a new essay.

First, the news: my company, Practical Equity and Inclusion, is sunsetting. It’s not a sad transition: Practical existed in name only for all but the first few months. After looking at the kind of work I’d have to do, or have done for me—contracts, liability insurance, accounting, marketing, IT, making content, cold-calling—the reality was that I’d likely spend more time and/or money doing stuff I hate and am not any good at, than actual paying work on things I know how to do. The main thing I’ve liked about working for an employer (apart from subsidized health care, which is huge if you live in the US) is that I can spend most of my time on my core competency instead of being stretched thin on quarterly filings and accounts payable.

I’ve also come to the conclusion that I do not want to return to working for a large tech company, at least not one based in the US. Given that it was the source of my burnout, and the conditions that led to it, including an AI-at-all-costs mentality and persistent lip service to equity and inclusion issues, are even more widespread today, I don’t see any benefit to myself or others in contributing to business models I think are harmful in numerous ways. I think the industry is due for a reckoning, and I think it’s going to get a lot worse before it gets better. I consider myself very fortunate that I could take time out to prioritize my wellbeing instead of having to run back into a burning building.

For now, at least, I am staying out of it. As Marla Daniels said in The Wire: “The game is rigged, but you cannot lose if you do not play.”

So! I’m going to do something completely different for the rest of the year. I’m returning to Mexico in a few weeks, where I’m going to try a little pop-up business idea. If it works, great. It’s a simple plan, and if it takes off, it could keep a handful of locals employed in the longer term. It aligns with my personal ethics better than any tech career. And it involves snacks! If not, it’s an easy business to unwind.

I’ll be spending the end-of-year holidays south of the border with my family. Then in January, I will be available for full- or part-time work. I’m eligible to work in Canada, Mexico and the United States. My home base is Seattle, and I’ve been a remote or worker for most of the last 25 years, but for the right position I’m open to relocating. I’m interested in nonprofit, education, government and political spaces. If you know me and what I can do, feel free to drop me a line.

One thing that will not change is that I’m always willing to listen. Free office hours slots are available on Thursdays for the rest of September. Paid sessions are no longer available. If you need someone to talk with, I’ll be here.

That’s all. Tune in tomorrow as I make myself unemployable to any company that relies on generative AI. ;)