Getting fired always sucks, but at that level it's not a career ender. He's beyond financially independent, has a broad view of the industry, and a lot of cont

Getting fired always sucks, but at that level it's not a career ender. He's beyond financially independent, has a broad view of the industry, and a lot of contacts. Each of these are viable: - Run a medium sized software firm. - Run a large division of a major tech firm. (For example: Software at HP) - Start up something that would have been impossible in Microsoft's hierarchy. No need for outside angels. - Become a hands on VC. - Teach computer science and business. - Run around the world for a year while figuring things out. It has to be tough emotionally, but there are many options for talents like this.