IBM

I joined IBM in 1988. I've been here 34 years.

I came out as gay to my hiring manager and (in 1988!) he was delighted to tell me all about IBM's respect for diversity and protections for various minorities.

Just in the last five years, I got an adult diagnosis of autism (mild, with apparently excellent coping mechanisms). I get a lot of support from my management team and my peers; they are happy to let me work the hours that work best for me and are always pointing me to resources for neurodiverse people, inviting me to take advantage of other accommodation opportunities.

I just wish I wasn't getting old, because I'd love to keep working for IBM for another 34 years.

Twice during my long career, I spent some time in job positions that were not a great fit for my signature skills. That was a bit depressing, but the job that followed each suboptimal experience was the best job to date!

Keep up the good work supporting diversity!