The 1980s were a time of computer revolution. This was when the first computers were developed and when computers were starting to become a part of the workspaces. In certain cities in the U.S that had people who had "skills capable of complementing computer technology, such as problem-solving, analytical reasoning, and complex communication," made them prosper. This must be why Miguel got the job as a software designer in the first place. These times were also when games were starting to be made, which might be why Miguel coded a Chess simulator on a computer
https://www.citylab.com/life/2015/12/how-the-computer-revolution-changed-us-cities/422010/
https://www.historyextra.com/period/20th-century/a-brave-new-world-the-1980s-home-computer-boom/