talking revolution with an elder at the setup table

This week makes my last week at Apple, and though there’s much to be said, I did want to write about something cool that happened yesterday, I was at the setup table helping an older woman and told her - as I’ve told every inquiring stranger - that my time was ending next week. (Sounds so morbid phrased that way, but Ima keep that cause I like it).

She, like most people, asked what was I going to do next and it turned into an extended conversation about my theory on life, capitalism, and generational divides in our attitudes around labor/work. Having this type of conversation with an elder was actually very cool. She spoke from a place of concern about how I was going to take care of my family, what they would think, and about my inner sense of worth from this more relaxed lifestyle I have planned for myself.

I had to then remind her that while her generation may have been able to build themselves up through work, my generation is unable to do so - especially as a Black person. In fact, I informed her that many seniors are returning to work due to the cost of living outpacing any retirement they might’ve hoped for.

These jobs aren’t paying, but are asking for more labor. These jobs aren’t hiring Black people like that anyway. And so all that stress and for what? Even sadder, what hope is it for my generation breaking our backs and ruining our mental health and sense of self worth our entire lives? No amount of hard work today guarantees success tomorrow, especially considering the way technology has obliterated what our idea of work looks like. Humans’, especially Americans’, relationship to work and personal value has to shift quickly. Our technology is already miles ahead of us and we’re taking a leisure stroll pace trying to catch up.

Me personally - I’m blessed to have organized my life the way I have to be able to do the things I’m doing. Having family support, counting my blessings, and just understanding my own self worth have gotten me this far and will take me further.

What made this moment special is the look she gave me as I finished explaining my perspective. Teaching sessions daily, and having previous classroom experience, I recognize the lightbulb look when someone finally gets something. It’s not always the same look on every person, but there’s an energy shift thats very apparent, and with a warm smile she told me she understood. But then, she thanked me for teaching her something new.

So yeah, that was me talking revolution with an elder at the setup table.