Senior engineer laid off by Adobe becomes driver: 'Glad I’ll be driving bus instead of computer'

James Strawn, a former senior engineer at Adobe, has transitioned from technology to a career as a school bus driver after struggling to find employment for over a year following his layoff. In a heartfelt LinkedIn post, Strawn expressed gratitude for the support he received during his job search and lamented the challenges faced by experienced professionals attempting to re-enter the technology workforce.

Strawn acknowledged the difficulties he encountered during his lengthy job search, describing the experience as "demoralising and discriminated against by the high-tech industry." Despite the significant shift in professions, he expressed enthusiasm for his new role, noting the positive impact of the school district staff. Strawn also criticised his previous employer and recruiters for their role in his layoff and the lack of support from prospective employers, hoping for a more compassionate approach to hiring experienced professionals.

His post quickly gained attention online, sparking discussions about layoffs, age discrimination, and the hurdles faced by seasoned workers seeking to return to the technology sector.