Plot

Michael, a computer science student, learns about the potential 2023 recession from tech culture and news of Big Tech layoffs and instability. He's presented with an opportunity to change tech for the better--but at a risk.

Michael, a Duke University undergraduate student who has decided to dedicate his professional life to computer science, has a prestigious offer to join Microsoft, one of the numerous giant tech companies. Michael writes an email to his recruiter, someone he has unrevealed history with, explaining his story in exploring the computer science world. An important part of this story, that Michael introduces first, are the recessions of the early 2000s. These were bad times, but back then, even when tech was young and simple, the market was also crazy. But crazy means there will be equilibrium at some point, and Michael hints at something changing. In 2020, Michael was first introduced to the professional side of software through an older student, Danny, who acts as somewhat of a mentor. Michael meets Danny to go over Michael's resume and learn more about applying to and joining the software workforce, specifically internships. However, in their conversation, Danny, a relaxed and cocky individual, reveals many things that surprise Michael. The software job pipeline is easy: practice Leetcode, be sociable, and apply everywhere. It's that straightforward and, yet, people make an absurd amount of money. Fast forward to 2022, Ben, a friend of Michael's, and Jordan study together. They're both Duke undergrads, but Jordan is a blunt risk-taker while Ben is hesitant to step out of bounds. As they study, Ben complains about the software market being abnormally slow and difficult for him. Jordan, presumably again, tells Ben there's an opportunity right in front of him: Jordan's start-up. Ben is hesitant, but he's set up a meeting between them and Michael to go over Jordan's start-up. Jordan and Ben meet a curious Michael. Jordan describes his idea: a company that would innovate in the entertainment industry. He extends an offer to Michael to join, but Michael counters with his Microsoft offer. This prompts Jordan to fully explain the current market slowdown: layoffs, freezes, and an overall negative public sentiment of the software future. To Jordan, this is a chance to make a real impact, be little "David" to the current tech giants. Michael is compelled by Jordan's wild statements, convinced by his unhinged and confident personality. Something pulls Michael by the bootstraps and makes him decide to turn down the Microsoft offer, revealing that the email is in-fact his declining statement. Furthermore, Michael writes this email because the Microsoft recruiter is an important figure to him, since he knew Michael's late dad. Ultimately, Michael decides to take a leap of faith and do something new in the unpredictable market.—Andrew Cao

Michael (Benjamin Chipman), a computer science undergraduate major studying at Duke University, introduces the viewers to his world: a selfless drive in technology inspired by the past words of his father. Michael contextualizes the current state of modern American technology by describing the rapid growth of internet companies and products in the early 2000s. However, with a foreboding tone, he shows that with unnatural growth comes eventual equilibrium: the 2002 dot com bubble and 2008 housing crisis. Michael states that the root cause was from people taking "opportunities to make easy money," foreshadowing possible negative events in 2022 and beyond.

The culture of present-day computer science is displayed in the next scene, a conversation between Michael and Danny (Cade Spector). In their meeting, Michael inquires about the process of getting a software engineering internship, asking about where to send his resume and what an experience at a top company is like. Danny responds to Michael with cynical answers, stating that the companies don't matter and the goal is to get something by applying everywhere. In Danny's experience, his job at Amazon was good because he got high pay ($50/hr) for minimum work. Danny comes off as a laughable and lazy person, but Michael realizes that Danny's words hold truth, stating that as Michael met more successful students, Danny's truth was confirmed.

In the next scene, Jordan (Niam Kothari) and Ben (Michael Crout) are studying CS250: Computer Architecture. As they're studying, Jordan asks Ben about Moore's Law, learning that it fundamentally describes the exponential growth of human technology. Jordan believes that Moore's Law will keep going while Ben has his reservations. While they're chatting, Ben checks his computer and receives an internship rejection email, complaining how things are slow in the current job market. Jordan responds with an offer to join his start-up, but Ben declines and introduces the next scene: a meeting between Ben, Jordan, and Michael.

Now all together, Jordan pitches his entertainment technology company, Beam LLC, to Ben and Michael. Jordan tries to convince Michael to join, but Michael keeps refuting with his full-time Microsoft offer. Jordan even shows Michael an article titled "Recession-proof Microsoft lays off nearly 1,000 employees across the company" that Michael shrugs off. Thus, Jordan visualizes the state of American technology in 2022: the crazy events of the past two years, tons of job layoffs in tech, and the very real possibility of a recession in 2023. In all this, Jordan believes there's an opportunity to be taken. By the end of his pitch, Michael appears convinced.

The viewers hear Michael's voice as he reflects on tech's crazy impact on human history. A clip of Jim Carroll talking at the 4th World Healthcare Innovation & Technology Congress in Washington, DC in 2009 cements this by talking about the importance of innovation during a recession.

With this change of perspective, Michael is seen typing an email, revealing that the email is actually the voiceover that the viewers have been hearing since the beginning of Bootstrap Bubble. The email also reveals that Michael is turning down his Microsoft offer for a new ambiguous route that he deems is impossible to turn away from, most likely something in the start-up realm.

In the final scene, Michael meets with Ben to get dinner, and Michael discloses his decision for this new risky path he's on. Michael's excited, got some ideas, and has the potential to change things in technology--maybe for the better.