I think this post is excellent for a number of reasons:
discusses something underexplored on EA Forum (day-to-day operations)
raises perspectives from outside the EA lens (military)
raises why this post might be wrong*
*Perhaps there should be more elaborating this second point of different types of ops. I would guess that research EA organizations may have less ‘reactive’ operations requirements. Though I think working at an ‘in the field’ organization would be closer to the experience you describe.
Of note is that research organizations may have more ‘in the field’ elements (planning events, meetings, logistics), but I would expect there is less non-systematized logistics—less chance for human error.
I would love to see another post about your experience of operations within the navy, any key lessons learned or advice you could give from what I would imagine is a unique and effective work environment.
Hah perhaps I’ll get around to it. In this post, I wrote very, very briefly about some other observations, particularly around standards and talent acquisition.
The Navy/military is very unique because you can go long periods of time of sleeping at work. For months up to nearly a year, you’ll be sleeping in the same space as you work. You’re with your coworkers 24⁄7, working 7 days a week.
Perhaps I think too fondly of this. But if you are going after an opportunity worth billions of dollars (“earning to give” ;) ) or working directly to save millions/billions of (future) lives, isn’t that fervor actually rational? After all, there are professionals in the military that work with such mania to prevent nuclear war.
I think this post is excellent for a number of reasons:
discusses something underexplored on EA Forum (day-to-day operations)
raises perspectives from outside the EA lens (military)
raises why this post might be wrong*
*Perhaps there should be more elaborating this second point of different types of ops. I would guess that research EA organizations may have less ‘reactive’ operations requirements. Though I think working at an ‘in the field’ organization would be closer to the experience you describe. Of note is that research organizations may have more ‘in the field’ elements (planning events, meetings, logistics), but I would expect there is less non-systematized logistics—less chance for human error.
I would love to see another post about your experience of operations within the navy, any key lessons learned or advice you could give from what I would imagine is a unique and effective work environment.
Hah perhaps I’ll get around to it. In this post, I wrote very, very briefly about some other observations, particularly around standards and talent acquisition.
The Navy/military is very unique because you can go long periods of time of sleeping at work. For months up to nearly a year, you’ll be sleeping in the same space as you work. You’re with your coworkers 24⁄7, working 7 days a week.
Perhaps I think too fondly of this. But if you are going after an opportunity worth billions of dollars (“earning to give” ;) ) or working directly to save millions/billions of (future) lives, isn’t that fervor actually rational? After all, there are professionals in the military that work with such mania to prevent nuclear war.