Hi Friend, At a recent MacSparky Labs event, a few folks started asking about career change—how to do it, when to think about it, and what it feels like to make a big shift. The questions hit home for me because, as many of you know, I spent thirty years as a lawyer before going full time with MacSparky. And when I made that change, I realized something important: if you ever think you might need a parachute, you'd better start knitting it early. I didn't set out to build a parachute. I wasn't trying to escape my law practice. I just started writing about Apple tech and productivity because it was interesting to me. I started guesting on podcasts because I had things to say. It was fun, and it scratched an itch. I had no idea at the time that I was laying the foundation for a completely different career. But when I hit my mid-fifties, I started feeling the pull for something new. I didn't need to leave the law—I could've stayed in that world until retirement—but I realized I wanted to repot myself, to take on new challenges and chase new goals. And because I had been slowly, almost accidentally, building something on the side, I had options. I had a parachute. One of the biggest challenges in making that leap was identity. For decades, I had introduced myself as a lawyer. That wasn't just my job; it was how I saw myself. And when I started telling friends, family, and colleagues that I was stepping away, I got some puzzled looks. "But you are a lawyer," they'd say. And sure, that was true—but it wasn't the whole story anymore. It took time to shift my own mindset and let go of the idea that my career defined me. So, if you're in your forties—or even earlier—and wondering if you should start preparing for a possible change, the answer is yes. That doesn't mean you need to quit your job or make a drastic move. It just means placing small bets on things that interest you. Explore different skills, build relationships in other fields, and don't be afraid to try something that might not work out. Even if you never need to pull the ripcord, it's good to have options. The real point here isn't that you must change careers, just that you should be intentional about your future. Take some time to reflect on what you want long-term. The earlier you start knitting your parachute, the stronger it will be if you ever need it. |
In a world where technology is increasingly conspiring to steal our focus and attention, my goal is to teach you how to be more productive with Apple technology. I want to help you achieve what is most important to you and enjoy your life at the same time using technology instead of becoming another one of its victims. Pretty much everything I make points at that North Star. I believe in this message so much that I’ve staked my livelihood on it.
Hi [FORMATTED_FIRST_NAME GOES HERE], I tore through Isaac Asimov’s Foundation series when I was about twelve. At first, I assumed the story would follow Hari Seldon, the brilliant mathematician who kicks off the series by predicting the collapse and rebirth of galactic civilization. Twelve-year-old me loved Hari, and I couldn't wait to see his story unfold. Then the books leapt forward … by centuries. Seldon slipped from living legend to myth, from myth to footnote, and finally into...
Hi Friend, Apple’s WWDC 2025 was, in many ways, a return to form. That was the title of this week’s Mac Power Users episode, and I stand by it. Apple delivered a compelling presentation that reminded us what Apple is best at: thoughtful design, tight integration, and bold ideas across the ecosystem. Chief among those ideas was the unveiling of a completely new user interface, “Liquid Glass.” It’s more than just eye candy. It’s a technical and aesthetic achievement that unifies the feel of...
Hi Friend, In a few days, Apple will take the stage at WWDC 2025. This year’s keynote speech feels like an inflection point for Apple. More than just announcing the new operating systems, this year Apple needs to show its ability to evolve. As we sit here, just days before, there's a growing list of uncertainties around Apple. Artificial Intelligence Questions All of Apple’s competitors are making strides with artificial intelligence: Google has jumped into artificial intelligence with both...