Why can’t I meet anyone who wants a big career that changes the world?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I’ve lived in several major metro areas, most recently here in the DMV. I’ve met so many people (mostly parents like me.) But everyone’s jobs seem a little blah. No one is passionate about their work or using their skills to leave the world a better place. Some people like their jobs (“it’s interesting, I appreciate the flexibility”) but no one really wants to talk about their work.

I am always reading about entrepreneurs, psychologists, lawyers, researchers and policymakers who are doing fascinating work and changing the world. Where are these people and how do I meet them in real life?

I run my own pretty unique business and I’m happy with my job and the impact I’m making (which I truly believe can change the world as we grow). But I just feel so alone because none of my friends or acquaintances get my ambition, my interest in figuring out complex problems or trying to create something new that makes a huge impact.

I wanted to say, that I think you are being narrow minded about what changing the world can mean?

Social workers, teachers, disease researchers, aid workers (volunteer or paid) Im sure so many others - want to make the world better. Maybe the scale is too small for you?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:A lot of people in DC do work like this. But talking about it in the terms that you are using easily comes across as narcissistic, self-promoting, or naive. It is more popular here to appear to be self-deprecating but use terms and lingo that other like-minded people will pick up on. Of course people can also be self-promoting braggarts but they usually do it in a more subtle way than places like NYC and San Francisco.

+1000

…unless OP wants to meet and hang around with twenty somethings. Even people working at orgs OP would find praiseworthy as a rule don’t make it about themselves as they get older. a 35+ year old (especially post-kids) who works in accounting, legal, HR or development (fundraising) at an organization tackling an important societal problem around the DMV is generally not going to be as enthusiastic as a new hire who thinks ordering supplies, making calls to donors or drafting blog posts or marketing press releases is changing the world. Those who are that passionate will often share that passion if you get to really know them and are sincere in your interest.

The problem is that in this area everyone asks everyone else detailed questions about their work history and career as small talk as if they were talking about the weather when they often don’t care what the answer, they simply want to know how they stack up, or want to be able to name drop you later to show others how connected they are. All these authentically passionate would be world changers who form part of the team that makes change possible, but who are not the the scientist in the lab making the breakthrough, or the brilliant mind developing the earthy changing strategy, learn to keep things superficial and do the self depreciating thing someone else mentioned.

If you want to meet those high profile types who don’t stop talking about themselves just go to one of many awards ceremonies and chat with the keynote speakers or award winners…

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I’ve lived in several major metro areas, most recently here in the DMV. I’ve met so many people (mostly parents like me.) But everyone’s jobs seem a little blah. No one is passionate about their work or using their skills to leave the world a better place. Some people like their jobs (“it’s interesting, I appreciate the flexibility”) but no one really wants to talk about their work.

I am always reading about entrepreneurs, psychologists, lawyers, researchers and policymakers who are doing fascinating work and changing the world. Where are these people and how do I meet them in real life?

I run my own pretty unique business and I’m happy with my job and the impact I’m making (which I truly believe can change the world as we grow). But I just feel so alone because none of my friends or acquaintances get my ambition, my interest in figuring out complex problems or trying to create something new that makes a huge impact.

I wanted to say, that I think you are being narrow minded about what changing the world can mean?

Social workers, teachers, disease researchers, aid workers (volunteer or paid) Im sure so many others - want to make the world better. Maybe the scale is too small for you?

Bolded text above.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:mostly parents like me.

Your answer is hidden in your question itself. Parents tend to take less risks, want/need more family time and tend to talk more about common topics like kids, sports, etc then talk shop with friends and acquaintances.

Most businessmen are always on hunt for other people's money and ideas to use and risk but that only makes people less willing to talk business with them.

[Anonymous]

Everyone contributes in some way to make world a better place no matter if they are rocket scientists, economists or janitor or cook. Every parent is trying to raise good people.

[Anonymous]

My job is definitely in the 'change making' category in DC, but what if I described to you what I do, you would be bored to tears. A lot of the actual work of change is plodding and boring (but necessary).

[Anonymous]

Join Peace Corps

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I know lots of people whose work is making positive impacts on the world, but none of them talk about work as casual conversation.

I have a neighbor who is leading a particular worldwide disease eradication effort and has had those glowing magazine article write ups you are talking about. I saw him at the neighborhood pool yesterday and we talked about the tomatoes we are growing in our gardens.

[Anonymous]

It's a generational thing. Current 30s and under are into autonomy, flexibility, work life balance.
Nobody is on a mission to save anything.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:It's a generational thing. Current 30s and under are into autonomy, flexibility, work life balance.
Nobody is on a mission to save anything.

45 and up is too cynical to be engaging in that kind of talk. Guessing OP is 38-40.

[Anonymous]

It’s just your social circle. I got a PhD and know plenty of people doing research, both in and out of my field. I left for tech due to two body problem.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I’ve lived in several major metro areas, most recently here in the DMV. I’ve met so many people (mostly parents like me.) But everyone’s jobs seem a little blah. No one is passionate about their work or using their skills to leave the world a better place. Some people like their jobs (“it’s interesting, I appreciate the flexibility”) but no one really wants to talk about their work.

I am always reading about entrepreneurs, psychologists, lawyers, researchers and policymakers who are doing fascinating work and changing the world. Where are these people and how do I meet them in real life?

I run my own pretty unique business and I’m happy with my job and the impact I’m making (which I truly believe can change the world as we grow). But I just feel so alone because none of my friends or acquaintances get my ambition, my interest in figuring out complex problems or trying to create something new that makes a huge impact.

You sound really full of yourself.

[Anonymous]

I dunno where you are but my group of friends and mom friends at school is amazing. friends working on legislature to improve peoples lives here in the US, voting rights, researchers working on cutting edge vaccines and treatments, doctors and nurses serving under privileged communities, lots of friends working in big name and small nonprofits that actually serve local populations, countries and animal needs. But nearly all of them are pretty chill about oversharing or bragging about their work. Many have been published, features/quoted on the news. None wanted a "big fancy job" and all wanted to do something useful for the world and still be able to be a part of their community and most raise families.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I’ve lived in several major metro areas, most recently here in the DMV. I’ve met so many people (mostly parents like me.) But everyone’s jobs seem a little blah. No one is passionate about their work or using their skills to leave the world a better place. Some people like their jobs (“it’s interesting, I appreciate the flexibility”) but no one really wants to talk about their work.

I am always reading about entrepreneurs, psychologists, lawyers, researchers and policymakers who are doing fascinating work and changing the world. Where are these people and how do I meet them in real life?

I run my own pretty unique business and I’m happy with my job and the impact I’m making (which I truly believe can change the world as we grow). But I just feel so alone because none of my friends or acquaintances get my ambition, my interest in figuring out complex problems or trying to create something new that makes a huge impact.

Lol.

Then you should assume it’s pedigree.
Of you and who you’re talking with.

[Anonymous]

Why ain’t I running into busy CEOs and busy unicorn founders and successful think tank fellows when I sit around at coffee shops and dinners?

Where are the passionate successful people?

DuPont circle happy hour?

My rental apartment?

My Southwest coach flight?

Where they be at?

Wash DC has such blah blah losers.