📸 Siliconless

Deserted headquarters, open roads, and epic emptiness: what happens to the most restless, workaholic, and AI-driven place on earth when the whole world is forced to slow down? But most importantly: should we ever go back to before?

While countless cities, regions, and nations around the world have tried and failed to recreate the economic dynamism of Silicon Valley for more than half a century, the reality is not nearly so mystical. Homelessness in the Valley has become a front-page story again in part because of the spread of COVID-19. The past couple of years have seen people burned out by the pressure of having to live and work at breakneck speed 24-7, fleeing the area in favor of modern, more human-centered tech hubs like Boulder, Madison, and Dallas.

But while there's a lot to overcome and address, it's also true that the northeast coast and the Bay Area specifically have an undeniable appeal that goes far beyond the EaaS (Everything as a Service) culture, permeated by inspiring optimism and heartbreaking determination. It's about stopping the search for a nonexistent work-life balance and embracing the coexistence of very different drivers, dreams, and powers.