Exit Inteview by Kristi Coulter

EXIT INTERVIEW by Kristi Coulter is a spirited and relatable discussion of employment at Amazon from 2006 to 2018. Coulter, a gifted writer, begins by describing the all-day interview process; although she seems surprised by some questions (e.g., How many gas stations in the US?). Coulter uses the subtitle “The Life and Death of My Ambitious Career” and she writes about the evolution of her feelings towards the organization for which she works and the content, decisions, and impact of that work. Some chapters looking specifically at events associated with female employment since 1972 – simultaneously disheartening and amusing, these are fascinating compilations of national (passage of the ERA; Ferraro for VP), local (harassment at Amazon), and personal (family dynamics, childhood games) occurrences. Her insights on gender are thoughtful; they are not overly strident, but they do allow readers to appreciate the inherent biases that are present in society and particularly (and unfortunately!) in the tech sector. Hopefully, some readers will recognize themselves and pause for deeper reflection. Her own father seems unable to acknowledge the prejudice she faces daily. Likewise, her own capitulation to work pressures and toxic workplace expectations should provide an opportunity for further introspection by all of us. Obviously, it is not just the warehouse conditions at Amazon that are prompting injury, burnout, and exit interviews.