Is it worth following the rules in a troubled IT industry?
In the tech world, there’s an unspoken understanding: play the game, follow the rules, and you’ll succeed. But what happens when the industry that wrote those rules becomes so riddled with ageism, greed, and toxicity that those rules no longer seem to apply? If the path forward is blocked by hiring biases and exploitative environments, is it still worth playing by the book — or is it time to write new rules altogether?
The crumbling façade of meritocracy
For years, the IT industry sold itself as a bastion of meritocracy. Skills, innovation, and hard work were supposed to outweigh everything else. Yet, for many seasoned professionals, the reality is much grimmer. Ageism sidelines workers with decades of experience, labeling them as “outdated.” Greed drives companies to prioritize shareholder value over their people, leading to mass layoffs and burnout. Toxic environments fester as cultures of overwork, exclusion, and favoritism go unchecked.
In this landscape, the old rules — work hard, stay loyal, and keep your head down — start to feel less like principles and more like outdated survival mechanisms. When systemic biases keep rewarding the wrong people, does playing fair still matter?
The rule of constant reinvention
The industry expects workers, especially older ones, to perpetually reinvent themselves. But how often do companies truly reward this effort? Many veteran IT professionals spend their evenings learning the latest frameworks or coding languages, only to be passed over in favor of someone younger and cheaper. If the system doesn’t value the experience behind the skills, why follow its exhausting demands?
The rule of loyalty to the company
Loyalty is increasingly a one-way street in tech. Workers are encouraged to give their all — long hours, weekends, and even their mental health — while companies slash jobs the moment it benefits their bottom line. Playing by the loyalty rule often leaves you burned out and blindsided when the layoffs come.
The rule of networking over merit
In theory, the best ideas should win. In practice, it’s often the loudest or most well-connected person in the room who gets ahead. Merit is overshadowed by performative self-promotion. If talent and effort are eclipsed by office politics, how can we justify playing along?
The cost of breaking the rules
Of course, rejecting the rules comes at a price. Speaking up against ageism can cost you a job offer. Refusing to sacrifice work-life balance might make you “less dedicated” in the eyes of leadership. But there’s also a deeper cost to following the rules in an environment that doesn’t reward fairness. Staying silent or compliant perpetuates the very systems we hope to escape.
Why the rules still matter (sometimes)
There’s an argument to be made that the rules serve as a foundation, even in a flawed industry. Breaking them without a plan can lead to chaos, both personally and professionally. For example:
- Rules provide structure in a chaotic environment: Without some degree of order, the industry could spiral further into favoritism and unfairness.
- Some rules still reward persistence: While the system is broken, moments of integrity and perseverance can still pay off, especially for those building long-term careers or navigating smaller, more ethical companies.
- Opting out entirely can feel isolating: Deciding not to follow the rules can mean stepping outside the traditional pathways of career growth, which isn’t a viable option for everyone.
A better path forward: Rewriting the rules
So, what’s the answer? If the old rules no longer work and breaking them has risks, it’s time to rewrite them. Here’s how we might start:
Focus on community over corporations
Build networks of support with peers, mentors, and collaborators who value inclusion and fairness. These connections are often more rewarding than loyalty to a single employer.
Define your own metrics for success
Instead of chasing the industry’s standards of prestige or pay, decide what success looks like for you — whether that’s work-life balance, meaningful projects, or financial independence.
Call out bad behavior
When faced with ageism or toxicity, consider whether you can push back, even in small ways. Sharing your story or advocating for others can help dismantle harmful systems over time.
Seek out ethical workplaces
Not every company is steeped in greed or bias. By supporting organizations that prioritize diversity, inclusion, and sustainability, you contribute to shifting industry norms.
Breaking the rules as an act of progress
The IT industry’s current state doesn’t just demand that we question the rules — it demands that we change them. Following outdated principles in a broken system only perpetuates the cycle. By choosing to break or rewrite the rules, we take small but meaningful steps toward a better future.
So, is it worth following the rules anymore? Perhaps not — but it is worth redefining them. What new rules would you write for an industry that truly values its people? Let’s start the conversation.
Will Kelly is a writer, strategist, and keen observer of the IT industry. Medium is home to his personal writing projects. His professional interests include generative AI, cloud computing, DevOps, and collaboration tools. He has written for startups, Fortune 1000 firms, and leading industry publications, including CIO and TechTarget. Follow him on X: @willkelly. You can also follow him on BlueSky: willkelly.bsky.social.
