I reached a point last year where working on frivolous tech products made me guilty and depressed. As a result I've spent the past several months pivoting my software consulting career to be focused on sustainability. My strategy so far is to:
* Understand the science behind the causes and effects that make up the broad problem of "climate change"
* Learn as much as I can about current policies, technologies, strategies, etc
* Read well-regarded books on the above topics (e.g. I just finished Koomey's [Cold Cash, Cool Climate][0])
* Observe/follow leaders in the space
* Meet people who know and care about protecting our environment
* Find solutions where I can contribute my software expertise to the greatest effect
I'm just scratching the surface but there is light at the end of the tunnel. There is a tremendous amount of work being done across major sectors like energy, transportation, building, manufacturing, etc. that is both fulfilling and well-funded.
I'd be delighted to connect with any other HN'ers who want to collaborate or chat. Email in my profile
This year I felt exactly like you. I'm a freelancer for now, but can't bring myself to apply to any of these hip tech companies. I wanted to work for someone doing something that matters.
Please reach out if you're still looking! I'm drumming up projects and will have work for UX/UI designers, software engineers, data scientists, copywriters, and more. My email is in my profile
* Understand the science behind the causes and effects that make up the broad problem of "climate change" * Learn as much as I can about current policies, technologies, strategies, etc * Read well-regarded books on the above topics (e.g. I just finished Koomey's [Cold Cash, Cool Climate][0]) * Observe/follow leaders in the space * Meet people who know and care about protecting our environment * Find solutions where I can contribute my software expertise to the greatest effect
I'm just scratching the surface but there is light at the end of the tunnel. There is a tremendous amount of work being done across major sectors like energy, transportation, building, manufacturing, etc. that is both fulfilling and well-funded.
I'd be delighted to connect with any other HN'ers who want to collaborate or chat. Email in my profile
[0]: https://www.amazon.com/Cold-Cash-Cool-Climate-Science-Based/...