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Do you struggle to find ethical work?

news.ycombinator.com

11–20 of 88 posts

Re: Do you struggle to find ethical work?

#11

You can open your own company, otherwise, for the money they pay you, sometimes you have no choice.

I have been trying to avoid this as it would have a negative impact on the work-life balance that I have fought for, however, it could end up being the only way!

Re: Do you struggle to find ethical work?

#12

Why defence is unethical? I wish you arent forced to reevaluate your opinion by war like the one on Ukraine right now. If I were your enemy, then I'd really try hard to push such narrative.

Because you don't even give someone else the chance to not build a weapon.

Re: Do you struggle to find ethical work?

#13
I think your picture of the world is too negative.

Defence is a necessary evil, because otherwise you will be governed by thugs.

Financial services enable people without capital to build things.

While there are surely material things that you consider vain, consumption is a good thing that improves people's lives.

Re: Do you struggle to find ethical work?

#14
I try to balance and minimize harm.

I suggest that your best bet is incremental change.

Totally reskilling isn't realistic, but taking a series of jobs that move you closer to skill sets you want is.

Similarly, if there are types of work you would find inspiring, can you figure out what those companies are looking for, and move towards roles that would help you become that?

Working for a slightly more ethical company is a positive change. Stack up many small improvements, over the course of 5 years you might be surprised.

Re: Do you struggle to find ethical work?

#15
You may wish to consider government work. At least in the UK it can pay quite competitively[1] with our private sector, especially when you factor in the hours they ask of you and benefits like pensions, the full package of terms I think looks surprisingly competitive.

But more importantly I think the work is meaningful. Whatever your view of government in general, or any executive of the day, often tech folk in gov have a chance to make solid products that benefit millions by just working simply and smoothly.

I think making services that work well, especially when users have no choice about engaging with them (and often when they get important goods and services as a result!), is one of the better streams of tech for good jobs out there.

[1]: https://www.civilservicejobs.service.gov.uk

Re: Do you struggle to find ethical work?

#16

Why defence is unethical? I wish you arent forced to reevaluate your opinion by war like the one on Ukraine right now. If I were your enemy, then I'd really try hard to push such narrative.

Because you don't even give someone else the chance to not build a weapon.

well, there are mutual disarmament treaties. Like the ones that are being cancelled by russia right now.

Re: Do you struggle to find ethical work?

#19

Why defence is unethical? I wish you arent forced to reevaluate your opinion by war like the one on Ukraine right now. If I were your enemy, then I'd really try hard to push such narrative.

I won't comment on Ukraine specifically, however, the military industrial complexes of Western countries aggressively lobby for forever wars so that they can profit endlessly.

Re: Do you struggle to find ethical work?

#20
How do you define "ethical"? Oil & gas are an essential ingredient for lifting some societies from extreme poverty. No oil & gas would mean not being able to transport a baby to the hospital or heat their room. "Fast-fashion with questionable supply chains" is only a first-world problem. In some countries, "fast fashion" is all people can afford.
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