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. That's right, 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.

In today's fast-paced world, age can feel like a significant milestone, especially in the tech industry where innovation and adaptability are key. However, the perception of age can vary greatly depending on one's perspective and experiences. For some, hitting the 30s, 40s, or 50s might feel like a significant turning point, while others see it as just another chapter in their lives.

The tech industry, with its rapid evolution and constant need for new ideas, can sometimes exacerbate feelings of obsolescence. As people age, they may worry about staying relevant or feeling that their skills are becoming outdated. This is particularly true for those in the tech sector, where the pace of change can be relentless.

However, age is not a barrier to success in the tech industry. Many successful entrepreneurs, engineers, and executives have achieved their milestones well into their 40s and 50s. In fact, experience and maturity often bring valuable insights and a more strategic approach to problem-solving.

Moreover, the tech industry is not a homogenous space. It encompasses a wide range of roles, from software developers to project managers, from designers to marketers. In many of these roles, age is not a significant factor, and experienced professionals can bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise.

The key to overcoming age-related concerns in the tech industry lies in embracing the value of experience and staying adaptable. Continuous learning, networking, and a willingness to explore new areas can help individuals stay engaged and relevant.

In conclusion, don't worry if you're 26, 34, 41, or even older in the tech industry. Age is just a number, and the potential for growth and success remains. The tech world is vast, and there's always room for those who are willing to learn, adapt, and contribute their unique perspectives. So, keep your head up, and remember that you've got a ways to go.