Thomas Reed

I've hinted at this before, but I've decided: I'm getting out of tech. I've been in tech, and in security, for a long time, but it's no longer what it used to be. So I'm running off into the woods, almost literally, as so many in tech want to do.

I wrote up my perceptions of what has changed in the industry, and how rough the job market is right now. Also wrote up what I plan on doing next. If anyone's interested, have a read.

https://whitehatmac.com/so-long-and-thanks-for-all-the-malware/

So long, and thanks for all the malware – White Hat Mac

Nov 7 at 6:00pmWeb
Show threadChris MorganNov 7
@thomasareed Whilst I already follow you here and will continue to do so, let me wish you all the best in your new adventure. I read the blog and I feel strong ... resonance. All the best.
Show threadThomas ReedNov 7

@chris Yeah, I doubt I said anything other folks who have been in the field for a while haven’t seen… but I think it’s still good to hear, to confirm it’s not just you. 🙂

Thanks for the kind words!

Show threadScott BlakeNov 7

@thomasareed So long, and thanks for all the talks.

It’s been great to see you at conferences over the years and while I am deeply disappointed, your reasoning is valid and understandable.

Good luck!

Show threadThomas ReedNov 7

@MScottBlake Thanks! I think the part I’m going to miss the most is the opportunity to go to conferences, and to see all the friends that I’ve made over the years. 😔

If you’re ever in the Yellowstone area, ping me!

Show threadFelix  EckhoferNov 7
@thomasareed Best of luck, I'm sure you will have a great time!
Show threadAlexandre MorinNov 7
@thomasareed that was a great read and I can absolutely relate to all of it.
Best of luck with your new company!
Show threadJohn TimaeusNov 7

@thomasareed

If I end up out of work for more than a couple of months, I'm going to be joining a friend who's starting a mechanic shop.

Show threadVaughn MillerNov 7
@thomasareed You’ll be missed in the #macadmin community. I’m happy for you that you will be able to spend more time in a part of the world that you love.
Show threadGraham R PughNov 7
@thomasareed Thanks for all the inspiration over the years! As someone I guess almost exactly the same age, a lot of your blog resonates. I've got a backlog of things lined up for the "after times"! The best of luck in your new venture.
Show threadThomas ReedNov 7
@SubjectMac Thanks! I was thinking about this sort of thing for a “retirement job” at some point in the future, but hadn’t thought too big about that. I thought maybe I’d guide some tours for someone else or something. But since I wasn’t planning to retire that soon, I figured I may as well think bigger. 🙂
Show threadDavid NelsonNov 8
@thomasareed Congrats! As a techie and lover of photography I’m more than a bit jealous. I really enjoy your work and hope you continue to post it here too. 🙂
Show threadThomas ReedNov 8
@dmnelson Absolutely!
Show threadLyonsNov 8
@thomasareed good luck, and gods speed.
Show threadMJ LeeNov 8
@thomasareed Good luck in your new venture, Thomas. At at a time like this, it is good to take your future into your own hands.
Show threadWilliam SmithNov 8
@thomasareed Love it! I’ve had my own concerns about the job market and my place in it. Needed to hear something like this. Hope you share more of what happens next.
Show threadAnthonyReimerNov 8

@thomasareed

Thanks for the blog post and best wishes on your new endeavour! I appreciate all that you have contributed to the #MacAdmins community. Hats off to you!

Show threadJack-DaniyelNov 8

@thomasareed Congratulations and best of everything on the new adventure!

I’ll miss running into you at the various conferences. Maybe we'll have to hold a @MDOYVR:Yellowstone Edition, and take nature pictures instead.

Your blog is a wealth of knowledge. Feel free to reach out if and when the hosting becomes too much for you.

Show threadThomas ReedNov 10

@jackdaniyel @MDOYVR There’s not a ton on my White Hat Mac blog that I’d be sad to lose. The one I really mourn the loss of was The Safe Mac. I’m sad that after Malwarebytes took over the domain (which didn’t happen until years after the acquisition), the only source of the original posts on The Safe Mac is the Internet Archive.

https://web.archive.org/web/20150618093550/http://www.thesafemac.com/

The Safe Mac

Everything you need to know to protect your Mac

Show threadBrian J BestNov 10
@thomasareed having just been “acqui-hired” myself a few months before the Malwarebytes deal, I remember being very happy for you. My wake up call with PE/VC happened a lot quicker but sounds like in the end we both came to the same conclusion: a business that cares about growth - more than the product - sucks. And you’re right; it’s getting worse not better.
Best of luck to you getting back to something you love in your new venture.
Show threadThomas ReedNov 10
@macmsp Thanks, Brian!