Watching part of a documentary about a former cattle rancher who left his family's generations-old business for ethical reasons really resonated with me. It's a brave decision that left me reflecting on my own career, specifically the difficult choices I've had to make in the tech industry.
You see, I used to be part of an industry that made me money. And we're not just talking about enough money to get by; we're talking about prosperity, success, recognition. But that success came with a price. In many ways, I was a data rancher, a part of something that capitalized on destroying people's privacy. The deeper I delved into it, the more I realized the profound truth behind Google removing its "don't be evil" slogan.
The question then arose: What could I possibly do next? Leaving a well-paying, though unethical, job for an ethical path with an unclear financial future was no small task. Was it even ethical to myself to barely get by? To struggle in pursuit of my principles? The answer was neither clear nor simple.
I'm still in the process of figuring it out. I haven't yet found where I can thrive sustainably, living according to my ethical beliefs. Some may call me delusional for thinking a better way is possible, but I can't shake the conviction that it is. And it's not just about me. It's about all idealists trying to forge a path to make the world a better place without compromising themselves.
The story of the former cattle rancher gave me hope. Here was a man who walked away from a lucrative business because his heart told him there was a better way. He showed that it is possible to find a path that aligns with one's values. If he could do it, despite all the ties binding him to his old life, then I believe I can try my best to do something different as well.
To all those out there grappling with these difficult decisions, whether to stay in a lucrative but unethical profession or to take a leap of faith into the unknown, I salute you. I know the struggle, the uncertainty, the doubts that can plague you. But I also know that our hearts, guided by our values, can lead us to places that align with our deepest beliefs. And in the end, that may be the most the least regrettable path of all, no matter the financial bounty at the end.