From Code to Chaos: An Autistic Developer's Fight for Dignity and a Future
In the world of technology, we often talk about disruption as a positive force. But what happens when that disruption shatters not just an industry, but a life? This is my story - a tale of resilience, unexpected hardship, and an unwavering commitment to my autistic son amidst a storm of professional and personal challenges.
A Career Built on Code and Crushed by AI
For 25 years, I thrived as a software developer. My autistic brain, with its ability to recognize patterns and solve complex problems, was an asset in the world of coding. I climbed the corporate ladder, eventually leading teams of developers and shaping significant projects. Working from home, I had created an environment that allowed me to manage my autism effectively while excelling in my career.
Then came the rise of AI. The very technology I had once championed became the disruptor that turned my world upside down. Like many in our industry, I found myself suddenly obsolete, my position eliminated in the blink of an eye.
From Senior Dev to Fast Food: A Freefall into Chaos
The aftermath was more than challenging - it was devastating. As an autistic individual and a single father, the loss of routine and financial stability hit like a tidal wave. Desperate to provide for my son, I took the only job I could find - in fast food.
The sensory overload was constant and overwhelming. The sizzle of grills, the shouts of coworkers, the harsh fluorescent lights - every shift was a battle against my own neurology. But I pushed through, driven by the image of my son at home, depending on me.
I found myself doing the work of five people, running between stations, picking up the slack for coworkers who took advantage of my efficiency. My autistic tendency to hyperfocus, once an asset in coding marathons, now meant I couldn't stop, couldn't say no, couldn't set boundaries.
Betrayal and Rock Bottom
When I finally gathered the courage to speak up, to ask for fair compensation for the managerial work I was doing, I was met with a brutal response: "You're fired. Come back on payday for your check."
In that moment, standing in the noisy kitchen, the unfairness of it all hit me like a physical blow. I had given everything, pushed myself to the breaking point, only to be discarded without a second thought.
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The Weight of Fatherhood
Through all of this, my son remains my North Star. Every morning, as I help him navigate his own challenges with autism, I'm reminded of why I keep pushing forward. His needs, his future, are what drive me to get up each day, to keep searching for a way back into the industry where I can truly contribute.
The fear of failing him is a constant weight. How do I explain to a child that the world can be unfair, especially to minds that work differently? How do I give him hope when my own is hanging by a thread?
A Plea and a Promise
To potential employers and collaborators reading this: I am more than my recent struggles. I am a seasoned developer with 25 years of experience leading teams and solving complex problems. My recent hardships have only added to my skill set:
I'm not looking for pity. I'm looking for an opportunity to prove my worth, to use my skills and unique perspective to drive innovation and create more inclusive technology solutions.
A Call to Human Decency in Tech
Our industry prides itself on innovation and forward-thinking. But true progress isn't just about technological advancements - it's about creating a world that values diverse minds and experiences.
By giving me a chance, you're not just gaining a dedicated and skilled developer. You're making a statement about the kind of industry we want to be - one that lifts up those who have fallen, that sees value in diverse experiences, that understands that the most powerful code we can write is the one that supports human dignity.
I'm ready to bring my expertise, my unique perspective, and my unwavering dedication to your team. Together, we can push the boundaries of what's possible in tech while creating a more inclusive and understanding world - starting with your company.
Let's connect. Your next innovation, your next breakthrough, might come from the most unexpected place - from someone who has seen both the heights of success and the depths of struggle, and is ready to rise again.
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