You have about 80,000 hours in your career: 40 hours a week, 50 weeks a year, for 40 years. Choose wisely and you can help solve some of the world’s most pressing problems, as well as have a more rewarding, interesting life.
For such an important decision, there’s surprisingly little good advice out there. Most focuses on misleading platitudes or how to write a CV. But as the founder of an organization that's matched thousands of people with fulfilling, impactful careers, Benjamin Todd explores how to do better.
Most people assume that helping others means choosing a career as a teacher or doctor, or working for a nonprofit. But those paths might not be a good fit for you, and history proves that there are many other ways to change the world for the better.
This guide is based on over ten years of research conducted alongside academics at the University of Oxford. It aims to help you find a career that you enjoy, that you’re good at, and that tackles the world’s most pressing problems.
It covers topics like:
1. What makes for a dream job, and why “follow your passion” can be misleading
2. Why the most effective ways to make a difference aren’t always the obvious ones
3. How AI will change which skills are most valuable
It’s also full of practical tips and tools. You’ll come away with a plan to use your 80,000 hours in a way that’s effective and fulfilling.
