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

[Anonymous]

I'll bring my tomatoes.

[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.

My coworker who talks about her interest in figuring out complex problems is just unhinged.

[Anonymous]

Op sounds naive and exhausting.

[Anonymous]

If you go into the federal govt and have these kinds of intentions and a real chance of realizing them, you do not compromise that chance by discussing it on soccer sidelines.

If you play in a small pond you can talk as much as you want.

[Anonymous]

Go to a protest. Walk in the front. He is there.

[Anonymous]

Why are you on this forum

And not out there meeting people

Very telling

[Anonymous]

I have this job. At the end of each day, I know that I made a difference for someone. But it’s a low paying job. Most jobs like this are.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:There are a lot of people here doing some astounding things but they can't talk about it.

This is more true than many people realize. People in roles like these associate with one another more than with people on the "outside", and they are necessarily discreet otherwise.

[Anonymous]

I guess I am more impressed by artisans, people I know who are winemakers, artists, people who work in factories making car tires, butchers, people who do the most boring town government jobs creating really nice communities for people to live in...The big lawyers have people doing a lot of the work for them, the entrepreneurs might do something "great" but tend to exploit workers.

[Anonymous]

Entrepreneurs change the world. Not employers.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:If you go into the federal govt and have these kinds of intentions and a real chance of realizing them, you do not compromise that chance by discussing it on soccer sidelines.

If you play in a small pond you can talk as much as you want.

This. Most people in large urban areas are just trying to make ends meet and are there because of their jobs.

You may want to go to smaller or medium sized areas with a large university OP. Most people in large urban areas are just trying to make ends meet and are there because of their jobs.

If they are trying to do something big in DC, they usually aren't going to talk about it.

Raleigh /Durham / RTP comes to mind. Maybe even Baltimore with Johns Hopkins. San Diego?

[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 know a lot of amazing people who want to make an impact, and enjoy talking about it. But mostly through ... work. Which I myself have been passionate about.

[Anonymous]

There are so many people around DC who do important work: development , public health, political organizing, advocates (including environmental or human rights lawyers, scientists…). Go to events that attract these kind of people. They are not going to fall into your lap.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Entrepreneurs change the world. Not employers.

Tell me you are a Republican without telling me you are a Republican.

[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.

You are wrong.