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

From Adobe’s Codebase to a School Bus: An Engineer’s Unlikely New Chapter

A Career Pivot After a Year-Long Search

Theindiapostdaily.com – James Strawn, a Colorado resident with over twenty years of experience in the tech industry, is preparing to take the wheel of a school bus for his local district. The dramatic shift follows his departure from Adobe Digital Video in August 2025 and a subsequent stretch of more than a year during which he could not secure another position in the sector.

Before his exit, Strawn held the title of Senior Software Quality Engineer at Adobe. In a LinkedIn message, he laid bare the emotional toll of his prolonged job hunt.

“After a long, difficult year-plus of looking for work and being demoralised and discriminated against by the high-tech industry, I’m glad to share that my next chapter has begun!”

Embracing the New Role

Despite the steep salary reduction, Strawn expressed genuine enthusiasm for what awaits him behind the bus’s wheel.

“Next week I start my new —and hopefully final— career as a school bus driver for my local school district,” he wrote. “It pays a lot less than my previous job, but it’s fun, the kids are good (mostly), and my co-workers are caring, kind, and down-to-earth.”

He also extended heartfelt thanks to former coworkers and LinkedIn contacts who offered encouragement throughout his search.

“Thank you from the bottom of my heart. It’s people like you who make me glad I had such a long career at Accolade and Adobe.”

A Parting Shot at Former Employers

Strawn aimed a pointed remark at those within his old company who, in his telling, dismissed him, undermined his standing, and ultimately terminated his employment. He thanked them with evident sarcasm, noting their actions had inadvertently steered him toward what he considers a better future.

“It’s people like you who make me glad I’ll be driving a 40-foot bus instead of a computer.”

He further took aim at recruiters and hiring managers who, per his account, turned down his applications, ignored follow-up calls, or simply never appeared for scheduled interviews.

“I hope this industry can find its way back to treating people better.”

Online Reaction

The post rapidly gained traction, sparking wide discussion among users about mass layoffs, age-based bias in hiring, and the obstacles confronting seasoned professionals attempting to re-enter the tech labor market.