Update, 12/7/21: As an experiment, we're trying out a longer-running Open Thread that isn't refreshed each month. We've set this thread to display new comments first by default, rather than high-karma comments.
If you're new to the EA Forum, consider using this thread to introduce yourself!
You could talk about how you found effective altruism, what causes you work on and care about, or personal details that aren't EA-related at all.
(You can also put this info into your Forum bio.)
If you have something to share that doesn't feel like a full post, add it here!
(You can also create a Shortform post.)
Open threads are also a place to share good news, big or small. See this post for ideas.
Hello EA world! My name's Zach. I'm a writer by trade and for passion, and I'm stoked to be here.
I found this community after asking Google "what are some jobs that do good for the world."
Currently, I work for an ad agency (owned by an AI company) company as a Creative Copywriter. It's a new job, but I already know that this kind of writing contributes to a destructive economic system (not that it's all bad, but it's definitely destructive.)
After that Google search, I found 80,000 as many other have, and now I'm looking for my next steps. That might mean another job (hopefully sooner than later), volunteer opportunities, and building relationships with people who feel similar convictions.
I've always had an intense drive to be authentic, to live true to what I believe in and say I believe in, and so this stage feels sort of inevitable. Life is so much bigger than money and cars and careers and comfort and [insert material desire here] - and I feel the need to do something for more than myself.
I came upon this prayer one time (not trying to push religion or anything) and it encapsulates this bone-deep belief I've experienced the past few months.
The Blessing of Discomfort - Sr. Ruth Fox, OSB (1985)
"May God bless you with discomfort
At easy answers, half-truths, and superficial relationships,
So that you may live deep within your heart.
May God bless you with anger
At injustice, oppression and exploitation of people,
So that you may work for justice, freedom and peace.
May God bless you with tears
To shed for those who suffer pain, rejection, hunger, and war,
So that you may reach out your hand to comfort them
And turn their pain into joy.
And may God bless you with enough foolishness
To believe that you can make a difference in the world,
So that you can do what others claim cannot be done
To bring justice and kindness to all our children and the poor."
This is why I'm here. It's great to be here. I'm looking forward to meeting you!
Thanks for liking it :) and thank you also for the welcome.