From Code to Crafts: San Francisco Tech Workers Explore New Career Paths
In a surprising turn of events, Silicon Valley professionals are trading their keyboards for hammers, needles, and paintbrushes. On a recent Saturday in San Francisco's serene Presidio district, a unique conference posed a simple yet powerful question: "Is It Time to Quit Tech?"
The event, organized by Albert's List and We Heart SF, brought together an eclectic mix of speakers – from hatmakers to electricians – offering career guidance to disillusioned tech workers. While the turnout was modest compared to the 180 RSVPs, the message resonated deeply with those in attendance.
"Tech quit me," declared Sandy McClenehan, a former customer success manager turned hatmaker, setting the tone for a day filled with candid conversations about career transitions. The conference offered a striking contrast to Silicon Valley's usual networking events, with speakers focusing on practical skills and alternative career paths rather than the latest startup trends.
Practical advice flowed freely, punctuated by moments of levity. Real estate agent Patrick Sedillo drew laughs with his unique perspective on job perks, including citywide bathroom access, while house painter Morgan Haines emphasized the fundamental importance of punctuality in the trades.
The shadow of artificial intelligence loomed over the discussions, though not in the way one might expect. While tech giants like Google report increasing AI integration in their workflows – with CEO Sundar Pichai noting that AI now generates a quarter of their code – the conference's speakers remained largely unfazed by AI's impact on their chosen fields.
For attendees like Leann Serrano, a quality assurance engineer who has weathered four layoffs throughout her career, the appeal of more stable industries grows stronger by the day. "I'm looking for something with less volatility," she shared, brightening at the prospect of applying her QA skills to physical products rather than code.
Career coaches offered practical transition strategies, emphasizing transferable skills over job titles. Resources like UC Santa Cruz's free Career Design Lab and Oakland's AI training programs were highlighted as valuable tools for career pivots. As recruiter April Starlight noted, "Nobody can be you. Everybody can be ChatGPT."
The financial reality of leaving tech's generous compensation packages wasn't ignored. However, Cheryl Lee, a library services manager, offered a different perspective on success. Touting the benefits of government work – "My favorite word is p-p-p-pension, friends!" – she emphasized finding joy in one's work regardless of salary.
Mark Brown, owner of a millwork and cabinetry firm, made a compelling case for his industry, highlighting the unexpected intersection of traditional craftsmanship and modern technology. His mention of a recent $750,000 millwork project drew gasps from the audience, challenging assumptions about earnings potential outside tech.
As San Francisco's tech industry continues to evolve, this gathering revealed a growing appetite for alternative career paths among its workforce. While not everyone may trade their MacBook for a toolbox, the conference highlighted an important shift in how tech workers view their professional futures – suggesting that success might be found not just in lines of code, but in the satisfaction of tangible, hands-on work.