Now being an over 55 technology worker, a comment to the younger technology worker college graduates and hard-working folks in their 30s:
- Someone over 55 that has been working in technology, say they started in their mid-20s (just like you maybe; out of college); if they are anything {{good at what they do}}; and maybe achieved a senior level position for a few year stint, should have a few million stuffed away.
- Remember that when you aren't getting that next pay raise, or batch of stock options they received but you didn't; they are lining their own pockets with your money. The future millionaire you will not be so because they are hoarding the brunt of options. There was a time this was not the case; at all.
- The term {{good at what they do}} applies even if they are work politicians and not good at actual technology. Cisco is indeed still a haven for those claiming to be a senior individual technology leader, when one really is just a tenured work politician by nature, and knows how to play the game.
- So you in your 20s and 30s: do you really want to bust your behind working for senior people who know more how to play a game and thus line their portfolios with the returns of thousands of stock options, while you get scraps and maybe a little pay bump at year end?
- At least back in early days of Cisco in 2000s even the 20- and 30- aged folks took part in options. Even mid-level options in your prime work years (20s and 30s) can easily make one a multi-millionaire by 50.
- If you can't respect and admire the older leadership, AND also be rewarded by them in your 20s and 30s, WHY follow them? They are fleecing YOU over. Oh sorry, we can't give everyone options. Really? How things have changed since the 2000s.
- All these social causes and involvement are also part of that money cycle: to lull and appease younger workers to buy in to the system, to benefit the upper management.
- Go out there and get what YOU are worth, especially when you are young.