Executive summary: The author reflects on leaving Washington, DC—and the pursuit of a traditional biosecurity policy career—due to personal, political, and existential factors, while affirming continued commitment to biosecurity and Effective Altruism from a more authentic and unconventional path.
Key points:
The author moved to DC aiming for a formal biosecurity policy career but found the pathway elusive despite engaging in various adjacent roles; they are now relocating to rural California for personal and practical reasons.
Three main factors shaped this decision: a relationship opportunity, political shifts that diminish public health prospects, and growing concern about transformative AI risks.
The author expresses solidarity with Effective Altruism and biosecurity goals but questions the tractability and timing of entering the field now, especially under the current U.S. administration.
Barriers to career progression may have included awkwardness, gender nonconformity, and neurodivergence, raising broader concerns about inclusivity and professional norms in policy spaces.
While hesitant to give advice, the author suggests aspiring policy professionals consider developing niche technical expertise and soliciting honest feedback on presentation and fit.
The post closes with a personal affirmation of identity (queer, polyamorous, neurodivergent), and a commitment to continue contributing meaningfully—even if unconventionally—to global health and existential risk issues.
This comment was auto-generated by the EA Forum Team. Feel free to point out issues with this summary by replying to the comment, and contact us if you have feedback.
Executive summary: The author reflects on leaving Washington, DC—and the pursuit of a traditional biosecurity policy career—due to personal, political, and existential factors, while affirming continued commitment to biosecurity and Effective Altruism from a more authentic and unconventional path.
Key points:
The author moved to DC aiming for a formal biosecurity policy career but found the pathway elusive despite engaging in various adjacent roles; they are now relocating to rural California for personal and practical reasons.
Three main factors shaped this decision: a relationship opportunity, political shifts that diminish public health prospects, and growing concern about transformative AI risks.
The author expresses solidarity with Effective Altruism and biosecurity goals but questions the tractability and timing of entering the field now, especially under the current U.S. administration.
Barriers to career progression may have included awkwardness, gender nonconformity, and neurodivergence, raising broader concerns about inclusivity and professional norms in policy spaces.
While hesitant to give advice, the author suggests aspiring policy professionals consider developing niche technical expertise and soliciting honest feedback on presentation and fit.
The post closes with a personal affirmation of identity (queer, polyamorous, neurodivergent), and a commitment to continue contributing meaningfully—even if unconventionally—to global health and existential risk issues.
This comment was auto-generated by the EA Forum Team. Feel free to point out issues with this summary by replying to the comment, and contact us if you have feedback.