Steven Foster: How late Millennials are redefining their relationship with work

Welcome to the inaugural episode of “Conversations with Jeff,” a podcast where I talk to interesting people and explore topics at the forefront of politics, culture, and life.

Have you ever noticed how people in their 20s and early 30s are redesigning their relationship with work? How some are ditching coastal tech jobs in pursuit of a different kind of American dream in rural America?

After writing an essay that went semi-viral on the talented & alienated late Millennial male, I’ve been talking to more men in this demographic. My first several podcast conversations are with several new friends in this demo, so consider this a first in a series. I realize we are all individuals first, so forgive me if I sometimes over-generalize about generations. Generational issues involving men is a topic I’m curious about at the moment.

Anyways, the more of these talented, late-Millennial guys I talk to, the more I am realizing there’s a lot to learn from them based on the way they’re reinventing so many aspects of life and work. I’ve become an unexpected champion.

I’ve noticed that this theme of “rethinking their relationship with work” keeps showing up in conversations. Keep in mind: Covid hit just as many of them were building momentum in their careers. My sense is that Covid accelerated a generational rethink around work that was already underway.

Steven Foster’s story: Leaving Silicon Valley in pursuit of a rural American dream

Today I talk to Steven Foster, a writer and creative who left Silicon Valley during Covid to live in the rural Pacific Northwest. Steven writes the Substack "Siesta in the Storm," which delves into religion, culture, and spirituality. Steven shares his journey from growing up on the San Diego-Tijuana border to working in Silicon Valley and eventually moving to the Pacific Northwest for a lifestyle reset with his young family. The conversation highlights Steven's experiences with faith, community, and the redefinition of the American dream.

Steven Foster pursuing a new, more creative life in the rural PNW

Show Topics

• Steven’s background and journey from the San Diego-Tijuana border to Silicon Valley

• The impact of working in tech during the launch of the iPhone and iPad

• The decision to leave Silicon Valley during the pandemic and move to the Pacific Northwest

• The concept of careers becoming modern-day religions

• Steven's exploration of religion and faith through his writing

• The alienation and challenges faced by Millennial men in the professional world

• Personal anecdotes about generational wisdom and the cultural shift in values

• The importance of community support and asking for help in today's individualistic society

• The role of napping and rest in Mexican culture and its benefits

• Multigenerational living and the loss of intergenerational connectedness in the U.S.

• Trade jobs like carpentry and competing career visions

• Advice for young men feeling alienated and the value of giving to receive

• Steven's perspective on not making one's career their religion

For Discussion

How are you rethinking — or not — your relationship with work and vision of the American dream? Share your thoughts in the comments, even if you are outside the late-Millennial cohort as I am.

Thank you for listening to my first podcast episode, and a shout out to

Steven Foster

for being my first guest.