My 21 Years in Tech, and What it Taught Me About Life and How to Live It

What 21 Years In the Technology Business

What It Taught Me About the Benefits of Working for Yourself

by Rev. Paul J. Bern

First, a Little Background

The year was 1988, and as I looked around me I saw a need for some serious change in my professional life. I had spent the previous six years as a local truck driver and courier contractor for several different companies. I became bored with those jobs, so I searched for a fresh start for myself, realizing my need for a complete career change. After making a lot of phone calls, I chose learning computer and electronics repair as my new vocation. At this time IBM’s personal computers, together with a whole host of competitors, were in the early stages of development. I saw that as a means to get a fresh start in life.

Earning My Way Through Tech School

I worked as a box truck delivery driver during part of the time I was in tech school, and went to class at least some nights plus every Saturday. It was a one year course for full-time students, two years if you went part time like I did. After the truck driving job ended, I worked at an electronics assembly plant for about a year. That…