In this episode, I talk with Jon Powell, a father of three who spent more than a decade in tech before deciding it wasn’t working for his health, for his family, or for the kind of life he wanted.



After being laid off (more than once), spending a year unemployed, and watching job listings rack up hundreds of qualified applicants, Jon hit pause. He took on a second job managing a local homeless shelter just to make ends meet. But what he didn’t expect was that it would become the most meaningful part of his day.



We talk about that pivot—how it shaped the way he views work, success, and identity. Why he finally walked away from tech and now works in public education procurement. What it means to be a Black father raising mixed-race kids in a California school district. And why showing up for others, in a job that isn’t flashy, has brought him more peace than any tech paycheck ever did.



We also talk about burnout, salary traps, unlimited PTO, working 80 hours a week for free, and how he dislocated his shoulder trying to pick up a turkey at Costco. (That part’s important too.)



This episode is a must-listen.



Connect with Jon Powell:



🎧 Listen to his podcast — Time Pals PodcastAvailable on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts




* Follow on Instagram – @timepalspodcast



* Follow on TikTok – @timepalspodcast



* Watch on YouTube – Time Pals Podcast




Follow & Support the Podcast:



🎧 Listen to more episodes of The Corporate Hangover on Spotify, YouTube, or Apple Podcasts 📲 Follow us on Instagram & LinkedIn for behind-the-scenes content and episode updates!💬 Join the conversation! Have thoughts on today’s episode? Drop us a message or tag us on social!



Enjoyed this episode? Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who needs to hear it!