Software engineer Mike Gorse shares how early mentorship, Linux accessibility work, and steady investing shaped his career and financial freedom. Hosts Chris Peterson and Liz Bottner explore his journey from Duxbury Systems to SUSE, the lessons he’s learned about networking, relocation, and accessibility in tech, and how a simple, long-term investing approach brought stability and choice. His advice: connect with peers in your field, volunteer to gain traction, stay open to opportunities, and align your work and finances with what matters most.



Contact Info

Guest — Mike Gorse

📧 mike@straddlethebox.org

🐘 @MikeGorse@mindly.social

Penny Forward — pennyforward.com

Aftersight — aftersight.org | feedback@aftersight.org | (720) 712-8856

Producer: Jonathan Price, Podcast & Program Producer, Aftersight



Show Credits

Hosts: Chris Peterson, Liz Bottner

Guest: Mike Gorse

Producer / Post: Jonathan Price

Music: Andre Louis

Presented by: Penny Forward in partnership with Aftersight

Sponsors: Thrivent and The Nasdaq Foundation



Chapter Markers

00:00 — Intro: Building bright futures

00:15 — Meet Mike Gorse

02:10 — Early tech and Braille foundations

04:23 — First job at Duxbury Systems

06:41 — Linux and open-source accessibility

11:05 — Joining Novell and SUSE

13:23 — Handling discouragement and finding mentors

15:28 — Advice for career counselors and seekers

17:48 — Remote work and moving to Austin

19:50 — Context matters in career paths

22:11 — Housing co-ops and community

24:58 — Pros and cons of shared living

26:43 — Investing wisely and the Simple Path to Wealth

28:40 — FIRE and financial independence

30:54 — Networking and creating opportunities

33:19 — How to reach Mike

35:25 — Credits and Aftersight partnership