Interestingly, my first role was with 80,000 Hours, a group dedicated to providing career guidance for individuals eager to make a positive impact through their work. Despite my own struggles in finding meaningful employment, I was in a position to help others. However, guiding others often proves easier than navigating one’s own career path. Through countless discussions with like-minded individuals, I uncovered a significant number of misconceptions about what it truly means to “create change,” and I found these beliefs were holding me back. I suspect many others face similar misunderstandings.
Myth #1: “Creating change” isn’t meant for everyone
When we think of “creating change,” our minds often leap to images of doctors, humanitarian workers abroad, or therapists. This narrow view led me to believe that making a positive impact was only for a select group—those who actively campaigned and volunteered, possessing the right qualifications to work for a nonprofit or be a social worker. This so-called “type” wasn’t me. Many others I met shared this feeling, believing that making a difference simply wasn’t meant for them.
While researching and advising individuals at 80,000 Hours, I learned that creating change through one’s career can encompass a much wider array of paths. What matters most is contributing to something larger than oneself—not just holding a job title that sounds ethical.
Traditionally “ethical” careers tend to be hands-on, directly helping individuals. However, significant impacts can also come from less obvious, indirect avenues. For instance, you might choose to start your career in the corporate world to acquire valuable skills in management or marketing, which could later be channeled into a larger cause. Political activism or journalism can provide a platform for advocating important ideas—where influencing others can be a powerful form of altruism. Alternatively, you could launch a business that improves lives through its products or services. Even pursuing a lucrative position in finance and donating a substantial portion of your income to effective charities can create notable change. I’ve come to believe that almost any skill set can be utilized to foster positive change in the world.
Myth #2: Doing good requires personal sacrifice
Early on, one of my main concerns was the perceived conflict between pursuing what I enjoyed and what would genuinely create change. I had studied mathematics and philosophy in college, contemplating a Ph.D. in philosophy, which fascinated me but didn’t seem practical. I knew others who felt similarly conflicted; a friend of mine was drawn to finance but worried that he wouldn’t have a meaningful impact.
We all feared that in our quest to do good, we would have to compromise on our passions. However, I no longer believe that an ethical career necessitates personal sacrifice. Here’s why:
Initially, I was too restrictive in considering what careers might excite me. I focused solely on past interests, ignoring the vast array of jobs I hadn’t yet explored. Research on job satisfaction indicates that many individuals are unhappy because they prioritize the wrong factors, like intrinsic interest and salary, rather than considering elements such as mental challenges and daily variety. If you find yourself thinking, “I could only enjoy doing [insert interesting but impractical pursuit here],” it may be time to expand your horizons.
Moreover, I had a limited view of what constituted impactful careers. As I came to realize, the opportunities for making a difference are far more diverse than just charity work or healthcare roles. This insight made it seem much more feasible to find a fulfilling career.
Finally, the relationship between creating change and personal happiness is significant. Research shows that helping others is a reliable way to enhance one’s mood, and a sense of contribution ranks among the leading factors in job satisfaction. Conversely, happy individuals tend to be more productive, thus amplifying their ability to make a difference irrespective of their career choice.
Myth #3: One person can’t make a significant impact
Eventually, I became somewhat disillusioned, unsure if my actions could truly affect the world. However, engaging with 80,000 Hours transformed my perspective. I was surrounded by individuals committed to maximizing their positive influence through their work. Learning about historical figures who achieved remarkable things in unconventional ways, like Norman Borlaug—a plant scientist who saved over a billion people from starvation through his development of disease-resistant wheat—was eye-opening.
I was also introduced to Giving What We Can, an organization affiliated with 80,000 Hours that focuses on identifying the most cost-effective charities. Their research illuminated how one can dramatically help others with minimal personal cost; for instance, you can provide deworming treatment to a child for under a dollar, potentially giving them a year of healthy life.
Given that I was born into relative privilege, globally speaking, earning just $28,000 places me above 95% of the world’s population. While an extra dollar may not significantly impact my life, it could mean the difference between education and poverty for a child in the developing world.
While I still occasionally question how much one person can truly accomplish on a grand scale—something that is entirely natural—I now view the opportunity to create change as both an incredible challenge and privilege. The ability to effect even minor improvements in the lives of others at little cost is profound.
In summary, the journey to a fulfilling career that contributes to meaningful change is often clouded by misconceptions. It’s crucial to recognize that creating change is not limited to certain professions, does not have to come at the cost of personal enjoyment, and that individual efforts can indeed make a world of difference.