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.

Did any real VCs see your pretty unique business and back you?

Or is this a bad cut & paste TROLL post?

[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.

PR + exaggeration + narcissism

Op is a troll or clueless aspie.

[Anonymous]

I know a lot of people around here who are changing the world for the better. They founded non-profits, are public interest lawyers, work for government agencies, do scientific research, or teach.

[Anonymous]

Volunteer somewhere where there are people who want to make a difference.

[Anonymous]

DH and I both have jobs that change the world. 3 points...

1. We don't really like talking about our jobs in the way you want to
2. Our jobs are only a small part of how where we work changes the world. You may find it cool and interesting what DHs company does, but his specific work is complicated and boring to anyone who doesn't work in the field. My work is more covered by privacy regulations so not
3. We always felt it was kind of narcissistic to be like "I'm making the world a better place!". I don't know, DH and I are generally private people and downplay what we do.

[Anonymous]

I am not in the DC area but I find it shocking that you don't find people 1) obsessed with their own power and influence and 2) wanting to change the world.

DC is famous/notorious for both.

[Anonymous]

I think DC can be a good place for this. I’ve worked for environmental and international development nonprofits, and the work can be very fulfilling. But it’s also long hours for low pay, so many leave once they have families, mortgages, etc.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote: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.

+1.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

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.

I agree with the posters above. I work directly with teachers who passionately change the world on a daily basis. The work they do is important, positive, and fascinating.

I don’t feel the type of shortage OP feels at all. Perhaps OP needs to look in other directions.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I am not in the DC area but I find it shocking that you don't find people 1) obsessed with their own power and influence and 2) wanting to change the world.

DC is famous/notorious for both.

Translation: I am a dimwit who believes every stereotype I read on the internet.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I do work like this. It is exhausting and super stressful, and I don’t particularly like talking about it.

As a senior leader in my org I also make $140k. My husband does similar work and is paid much less. So we may not be running into you at the playground, because we live in a neighborhood most of DCUM would sneer at.

+1

This describes me as well.

I’m exhausted and stressed and don’t really like talking about my job but it sounds really cool on paper.

There actually are a fair number of us in my outer burbs where the well educated people who aren’t paid well live.

[Anonymous]

I think your problem isn't "changing the world," it's "big job." I work for a do-gooder federal agency and know tons of people on the nonprofit side of my field, which most people enter to make a positive difference. I'm friends with tons of teachers, social workers, and medical professionals. I meet people who do cool policy work at my kid's day care, for heaven's sake. This area is crawling with people trying to make the world better.

But I don't hang out with people who'd refer to themselves as having a "big job" or "saving the world." A lot of these jobs don't look "big" unless you're cabinet level, and don't pay like your garden variety cybersecurity specialist. And by our 30s we've gotten a little humility about our own personal roles in "saving the world."

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I do work like this. It is exhausting and super stressful, and I don’t particularly like talking about it.

As a senior leader in my org I also make $140k. My husband does similar work and is paid much less. So we may not be running into you at the playground, because we live in a neighborhood most of DCUM would sneer at.

+1

This describes me as well.

I’m exhausted and stressed and don’t really like talking about my job but it sounds really cool on paper.

There actually are a fair number of us in my outer burbs where the well educated people who aren’t paid well live.

Same, my street is like this...but I live in Frederick.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I do work like this. It is exhausting and super stressful, and I don’t particularly like talking about it.

As a senior leader in my org I also make $140k. My husband does similar work and is paid much less. So we may not be running into you at the playground, because we live in a neighborhood most of DCUM would sneer at.

+1 I have a job that has a direct impact on people’s lives. However after I am done with it I don’t what to talk about it.

[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 are hilarious. Try a comedy circuit OP.