Don’t Worry 26, 34, 41 Year Old Friend In Tech. You’re Not ‘Too Old.’

Each morning, I hand in my too cool GenX card for a few minutes and go straight boomer while using Facebook to wish my friends a Happy Birthday. As the Birthday Notifications Product Manager, I'm your 365 DAU. Some folks publish their ages while others have them hidden, but quite often I'm surprised by how young most people still are – in the sense that maybe we met while they were just out of school or in their first job, and this was 10-15 years ago, so they're early 30s or whatever in 2026. For context, I'm 52 and have been out in the Bay Area since 1998 – many of the folks in my network were born later, the Millennial cohort especially over-represented on Facebook, I'd imagine.

It also occurs to me that something different might be happening on the other end of the connection: the Birthday celebrant feeling they are so old. My own projection? Possibly. I've written before about my 20s and 30s trying to outrun a "failure tiger" and then in my 40s coming to grips with moving into an "elder" statesman tier. But conversations among ourselves suggest this cycle repeats itself every generation. Plus, the hastening pace of both signal and noise within the AI supercycle has its own exhaustion (exasperation?) for many.

Rarely does it help to tell someone they shouldn't feel the way they do, so dismissing their "I'm getting so old" without recognizing the power of those thoughts would be ineffective, despite the bluntness of this post's title. Instead, I'll just reiterate what I said in the first paragraph: the "HBD" poke you see from me isn't just a "way to go" but it's a "you've got a ways to go." Lots done already and lots more time, energy, and cycles ahead.

The perception of aging in the tech industry can be particularly challenging. As people move through different stages of their careers, they often face the pressure to stay relevant and competitive. This can lead to feelings of inadequacy or even despair as they compare themselves to younger colleagues or feel that they're falling behind in the rapidly evolving field.

However, the reality is that experience and maturity often bring valuable insights and a broader perspective. Tech professionals in their 30s, 40s, and 50s have had the opportunity to witness significant changes in the industry, from the dot-com boom to the rise of social media and artificial intelligence. They've had time to refine their skills, build their networks, and establish themselves as trusted experts in their fields.

Moreover, the tech industry is not a zero-sum game. There's room for individuals of all ages to contribute and succeed. In fact, many companies recognize the importance of diverse age groups within their teams, as they bring together different perspectives and experiences.

It's also worth noting that the tech industry has a unique way of valuing age. While younger developers might be more adept at the latest technologies, seasoned professionals often have a deeper understanding of the underlying principles and the ability to navigate complex problems. This experience can be invaluable in guiding the next generation of tech professionals.

Furthermore, the idea that one must be young and energetic to succeed in tech is a myth perpetuated by a culture that often glorifies youth and dismisses the value of maturity. In reality, many of the most successful tech leaders are in their 40s and 50s, demonstrating that age is not a barrier to innovation or achievement.

In conclusion, don't worry if you're 26, 34, 41, or any age in between. The tech industry is not just for the young and the restless. It's a space where experience, wisdom, and a willingness to learn from others can thrive. So, embrace your age, continue to grow, and remember that you have a lot more to offer.