I've been working as a software developer for quite some time now, mostly in Web/React/Node.Js and SQL. I also have a few side projects that are mechanical engineering and close to production.
Lately, I feel like I'm at a crossroads and would like your input.
1) Minimalism, Low-Tech and Degrowth values are really important for me (for multiple reasons), I consider them core values. 2) My strength are creating physical products and websites for clients whose core values are the antithesis of mines.
Basically, I have a hard time blending my strength with my core values, which gets me very demotivated. I've refused job offer in various areas already (publicity, finance, chemical), but I can't seem to find one that ticks all the boxes.
Have you felt a similar way before? How did you manage?
What are some company/sector that would be more inline with my values (I don't mind to pivot)?
Thanks for you help!
We de-evolved. Ooga Booga. We had Jetsons-like drag-and-drop IDE's and code that closely matched the screen and business logic, but then replaced them with Flintstone stone tablets, saying "It Must Be This Way" in case we go "mobile" in 2080 or whatnot. Now it's layers talking to layers talking to layers and we spend all our time wiring and rewiring the layers to layers. The buzzword is "separation of concerns", but I see separation of productivity and separation of money from wallets. "Enterprise" apps were always a bloated e-bureaucracy, but the bloat trickled down to smaller apps in a big buzzword chase to be "just like the big dogs". Maximalism rules IT.
(In well-run shops, such stacks can be done effectively, but most orgs are semi-dysfunctional. The tall stacks are not riff-raff proof. One duck moves out of alignment, and the results are quacked.)
Warren Buffett has often said that one key ingredient to his success is not fearing saying "no" to questionable or borderline opportunities. Most investment firms don't feel comfortable paying people to sit around all day and say "no". It looks like slacking to the bosses. But Buffett has no bosses, so he can say no for a decade if nothing good comes his way. He tunes out the bandwagon if the math isn't there.
You could try to align your job with minimalism and degrowth by trying to earn (and spend) as little as possible. You could try to work until you have enough to eat and pay your rent, and not more. You could work part-time for example. But by definition, working creates value which contributes to growth. So I guess the best 'degrowth' activity is slacking off :)
Of course, my clients goals may not align with mine. I am hoping to empower small business owners like plumbers, barbers, etc and non-profits.
If owner is too busy to talk to me then probably that business is too big for me.
Maybe if we can get enough traction, it could be the new trend ;)
I actually follow these values in all other parts of my life; I cut back on my possessions (lots of sales and gifts), take exclusively public transport, eat vegan and (mostly) local, always favour low-tech, package free buys and responsible companies, etc.
My job is the complete opposite, which I want to fix.
I really think that you're approaching this backwards if you decide "this is the values that I follow" and then try to change every aspect of your life to fit that vision.
I felt disconnected and unhappy -> found those principles/values that seem to make people more happy (who were in the same situation as me) -> tried them, felt much more happy and fulfilled than before -> try to apply it to other areas.
Consider that a lot of what you do will be done regardless of your participation and whether by you doing it less harm is caused because you maximise efficiency and economy.
Only if you think someone else could be doing it substantially better (in terms of economy) then you should be concerned.