So long 110%

Three weeks ago I "retired" from corporate work. This follows 24 years as a UX researcher at Google (11 years), Microsoft (11 years), and Amazon (2 years), and as a psychologist before that.

This post is mostly an announcement — it's not a retrospective, which I'll save for another time. However, I share a couple of updates on what's next.

Why Now?

Basically, I feel ready. There is no particular external reason or pressure. I'm 56 years old, and am fortunate to be in good health, with a job that was going well.

On the other hand, after 24 years, plus more years of pre-Tech work, I have accomplished "enough" in the corporate world. The challenges in UX looking forward are no longer as exciting to me as they once were. (That's not a commentary on the UX world — only a comment about my perception.)

BTW, I'll give particular thanks to my most recent colleagues at Amazon Lab 126, where I was very happy. This decision is not a reflection on them or that position. (I can say the same for my 11 years each at Google and Microsoft.)

And I have opportunities apart from corporate work, as I mention next!

What's Next?

Many friends have asked me variations of, "What will you do? Don't just quit and watch TV!"

My answer: thanks and don't worry! For one thing, I have not turned on a TV set in 5 days (maybe longer, I don't even recall).

More to the point, I will have 4 primary activities keeping me busy:

Running the Quant UX Association — I'll lead both the annual conference, Quant UX Con online, and our new in-person training classes.
Other community: I'm an ordained Zen priest, and last year I received teaching authorization. With corporate retirement, I can also devote more time to that.
\==> Update April 2025: I am starting the Tech Community Zen group for online practice. More here!
Hobbies: I have several hobbies. Hobby #1 is boating in the Seattle region and north to British Columbia. We have plans to take our boat all the way to Alaska.
Catching up on writing. I've overdue on projects such as new editions of my quant book or R book, and/or new books and articles. (You'll notice I list writing after the three "fun" activities above.)