Exiting Apple
Working at Apple is often seen as the pinnacle of success in the tech industry—a place where innovation thrives and the brightest minds collaborate to create world-changing products. However, beneath the surface of this high-performance environment lies a culture that can be toxic and stifling, marked by intense micromanagement and an overwhelming pressure to perform.
The demand for perfection at Apple is relentless. While this has led to some of the most iconic products in the world, it also creates an atmosphere where employees often feel they are constantly walking on eggshells. Decisions are scrutinized at every level, and the need for approval from multiple layers of management can slow down even the simplest of tasks. This culture of micromanagement not only hinders creativity but also breeds a sense of distrust, where employees may hesitate to take initiative or think outside the box for fear of being second-guessed or reprimanded.\
Toxicity in this environment often stems from the intense pressure to deliver results, which can lead to a work culture that values output over well-being. The expectation to be “always on” creates a cycle of burnout that is difficult to break. Employees may find themselves working long hours, sacrificing personal time, and constantly pushing beyond their limits, all while receiving little recognition or support. This not only affects morale but also takes a toll on mental health, creating an unsustainable work-life balance.
Despite these challenges, the experience at Apple is a double-edged sword. The brand’s prestige and the opportunity to work on groundbreaking projects are undeniable draws. However, it’s essential to acknowledge the less glamorous side of the company culture—a side that can be draining and demoralizing, even for the most passionate and dedicated professionals.
Having said all that, after almost 4 years at the spaceship and working with some amazing people (some not ALL), I made decision back in October to leave Apple and look for someting else.
New Beginnings
I ended up taking a position at the first company I interviewed with. Most of the reasons are listed below but what isn’t mentioned below was the opportunity to work with some other ex-Apple folks that I respected a great deal as well as the job being full remote. Not some bullshit RTO Mandate that involved commuting to Apple Park to manage a team that wasn’t in fact local.
Joining GEICO as the Senior Director of Engineering for Hybrid Cloud SRE is an exciting new chapter in my career, one that comes at a pivotal moment for the company. GEICO is undergoing a significant transformation, shifting from a traditional IT organization to a forward-thinking Engineering organization. This transition is more than just a change in titles or processes—it’s a fundamental reimagining of how we approach technology, problem-solving, and innovation.
In the past, IT organizations have often been seen as reactive, primarily focused on maintaining systems and responding to issues as they arise. But as the landscape of technology evolves, so too must our approach. At GEICO, we are moving towards a model where engineering principles drive our decisions and strategies. This shift means embracing a culture of continuous improvement, automation, and resilience. It’s about empowering teams to build, innovate, and take ownership of their work, rather than just maintaining what already exists.
As we transition to this new model, my role in Hybrid Cloud SRE will be crucial. We’re focusing on building robust, scalable, and highly available cloud environments that support our engineering teams and drive business outcomes. This involves not just adopting new technologies, but also fostering a mindset where reliability, automation, and proactive problem-solving are at the core of everything we do. It’s an exciting time to be at GEICO, and I’m eager to contribute to this transformation, helping to lead our teams into a future where engineering excellence is the norm, not the exception.
The journey ahead will undoubtedly come with its challenges, but it’s these challenges that make the transformation so rewarding. I’m looking forward to collaborating with talented professionals across the company, leveraging our collective expertise to build something truly remarkable. This is more than just a job—it’s an opportunity to be part of a movement that will redefine how GEICO approaches technology and engineering in the years to come.
One More Thing
To quote Steve Jobs….
So since the GEICO position was full remote and since we were looking for a place to retire we ended up purchasing a house in Bandera TX. While it’s a pretty small town (under 900 people or so) and pretty remote we’re still only 25 minutes away from Boerne and 40 minutes away from San Antonio.
The bonus is we were able to get a house with a huge workshop for me and my projects and the local electric co-operative also provided a 2gig fiber link to the house (take that Silicon Valley). While we’re not selling the house in Half Moon Bay anytime soon we are splitting time between the two houses (mostly Nicole and Patrick in CA).
Well thanks for taking the time to read and here’s some gratuitious photos:
