The job market also dictates some of this. In my area and with my degree, one of the only industries I could find work in was in support for equipment used in oil and gas production. I had previously worked in the petrochem industry, robotics, and hvac, but when we had our first kid, I opted to take my current job beccause the extra pay allows my wife to stay home with our kids, for me to be closer to home, and to make environmental choices in my personal life.
Ethically, I know the industry I work in is problematic but I also know of 10 other manufacturers who make the same equipment we do, so I sell myself on my contrbution by acknowledging that the operators would just get another brand’s stuff that may not be made as well and could have real repurcussions if something went wrong. It may be delusional but this equipment existed before I was here, and will continue to be made after I’m gone.
The job market also dictates some of this. In my area and with my degree, one of the only industries I could find work in was in support for equipment used in oil and gas production. I had previously worked in the petrochem industry, robotics, and hvac, but when we had our first kid, I opted to take my current job beccause the extra pay allows my wife to stay home with our kids, for me to be closer to home, and to make environmental choices in my personal life.
Ethically, I know the industry I work in is problematic but I also know of 10 other manufacturers who make the same equipment we do, so I sell myself on my contrbution by acknowledging that the operators would just get another brand’s stuff that may not be made as well and could have real repurcussions if something went wrong. It may be delusional but this equipment existed before I was here, and will continue to be made after I’m gone.