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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.