[Shiny]

When I started working in product development, we were educated on the importance of treating our supply chain ethically. The corporate policy was literally to recognize every supplier as critical to our success and was only going to be there if they made a reasonable profit. We made sure the suppliers succeeded.

When I retired, the definition of "good business" had changed to stripping everything possible from the supplier and believing they were doing the same to us.

Somewhere in between, private equity and massive industry consolidation happened.

Ethics were replaced by extortion, coercion, and the pursuit of exorbitant wealth for those running the companies. Employees went from being assets to liabilities.

I'm glad I got to experience that extinct better business world and I'm grateful for being paid by many employers but yes, I am now cynical about all this.

Thankfully, this hobby helps me feel better about the world.