As someone who is currently still in education for their degree looking at the current (and likely future) economic and societal outlook, it seems like employment in fields that cause/perpetuate negative issues in the world (Big Tech/Military-Industrial Complex, industries contributing to climate change, predatory sales/financial firms) continue to maintain strong employment availability and salaries as time goes on.
However, fields that have a neutral or beneficial impact on society and the world (Medical care, Food service, public infrastructure, humanitarian aid work, environmental research), either don’t have enough available positions that people are able to transition into, have worsening working conditions due to poor management or limited resources, or just don’t pay a living wage to most who work there.
I’ve read about the broken window fallacy, and I understand how focusing on personal gain without considering the impacts on the wider picture doesn’t make for a better world. But can someone feel justified contributing to the “broken windows” of the world knowing that they weren’t presented functional alternative pathways, and try to contribute towards the solution in other ways?
“There is no ethical consumption under Capitalism” is a useful parallel concept. One can consume at least more ethically by buying in solidarity with, eg, Fairtrade sellers, local sellers, co-ops, or maybe living a vegan lifestyle.
Not to be confused with finding an ethical form of capitalism. It doesn’t exist. Any system designed to maximize profit will put any other goals (like human rights) secondary.
I think working in this society is similar. I can choose the more ethical option from the limited options available to me and work to make my life and the lives of people around me better. But I can’t find or create a system that is ethical. Even that co-op referenced above probably has suppliers who are less ethical, or they may have to rent from a profit-driven landlord.
I try to focus on small improvements over my baseline rather than thinking anything short of immediate perfection is a failure.
That’s a healthy point of view. I think I’ve been trying to align with that philosophy, but I feel frustrated by the fact that there will be “inevitable” consequences of my future work that I will likely never be in a position to change course.
your problem is you think you can, or should have control over those things.
you don’t. you don’t have control over a lot of things in your life.
you can only be morally accountable for what you can control.
and you do not control the choices and decisions of other people, including companies and institutions you are or have been affiliated with.